Bank Chief Lauds Alumni’s Contribution To Alma-mater

The group managing director (GMD) of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) PLC, Dr. Oliver Alawuba, has underscored the importance of education in nation building and applauded the efforts of the Abia State University (ABSU) Alumni’s contribution to the development of their alma mater.

The UBA chief executive officer (CEO) made the remarks while addressing former students of the ABSU, Uturu, during their reunion party on the Alumni Day held at the Hotel Royal Damgret, Umuahia, the State capital to mark the yuletide season.

Dr. Alawuba, who doubled as the chairman of the occasion, recalled that the Alumni has over the years demonstrated passionate commitment to the development of educational infrastructure in the school with some far- reaching impacts on national development.

While congratulating the association on the successful hosting of the 2O25 Alumni Day, Dr. Alawuba, who appreciated the past Executives for their foresight and impactful leadership, also lauded the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Oti, for what he described as his “unwavering commitment and support to the educational sector of the State.”

He, therefore, called on other well-meaning and public – spirited individuals and public office holders to support Abia ABSU, to be upgraded to a better position in the nation’s education system.

In his welcome address, the Acting National President of the ABSU Alumni, Chief Onwukwe O. Onwukwe, explained that the symbolic annual occasion became necessary as a way of celebrating, and to give back to their alma mater.

Chief Onwukwe, expressed the need to expand the University to a greater height through the benefits they derived from the institution, and enjoined members of the Alumni to be encouraged to sacrifice for the institution that made them better citizens in the society.

The vice chancellor of the ABSU, Prof. Ndukwe Okeudo, noted that the institution had over the years produced very important personalities which through their collaborations and supports, projected the University to the global limelight.

Prof Okeudo, who is also an alumnus of the University, encouraged the association to explore more avenues for the University to be rated higher in the comity of Nigerian Universities, nothing that “the University is doing well academically in terms of the quality of academic delivery by lecturers.

High point of the event was a keynote address presented on the topic; “The Role of Alumni Association in the Development of the University,” by Prof. Chidi Nwosu, also an alumnus and the Librarian at the Agriculture and Environmental Science, Imo State.

Among the delegation were members of the Akwa Ibom State branch led by the branch Chairman, Elder Effiong Etukudoh.

Other members of the branch included the vice chairman 1, Akparawa Charles Udoebuk, Secretary, Christopher Umosen and secretary of Eket Chapter,  Grace Ebong.

The high point of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving members including Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, Honorary Special Adviser to governor Umo Eno, on Cooperative and Rural Development; Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian Akpan, Honorary Special Adviser on Labour Relations and the Akwa Ibom branch Chairman, who commended the acting national president for considering two of his members for the award.