By Chioma Onuegbu Uyo

THE governor of Akwa Ibom State Pastor Umo Eno has said that all over the world  Alumni of every institution play crucial roles in the development and growth of their alma mater.

Eno who spoke  after receiving “Eminent Alumnus Award” by the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) Alumni Association, during its “2024 Alumni Reunion’ held at Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort on Tuesday.

Represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, governor Eno stressed that it was a misnomer for Alumni to progress without supporting their decaying alma mater.

  His words, “This Reunion shouldn’t stop with the exchange of banters, delivering of speeches, recounting of fond memories, clinking of glasses and revival of old friendship.

    “We should consciously go beyond these exciting moments to commit to giving back to the school which equipped us for the great lives we are enjoying today. It is a misnomer for  Alumni to make progress as individuals while their alma mater is decaying.

   “All over the world, Alumni play crucial role in the development of their alma mater. Abandoning your alma mater after graduation is akin to pushing down the ladder after using it to ascend heights you ordinarily wouldn’t have achieved. There’s a moral obligation to hold the ladder for others to also climb with

    “Some of us are in positions where we can facilitate projects in the University. We can even volunteer our skills and expertise in certain areas of need by the University as well as mentor the students.

  “Considering the strategic role of the University of Uyo as a major supplier of trained manpower for the state, the Akwa Ibom state government is intervening in the construction of internal roads and other infrastructure in the Institution”

   In his remarks earlier, President of the Alumni association, and a former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Onofiok Luke, noted that his leadership has facilitated the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy for the University.

Luke, added that UNIUYO Alumni under his  leadership has deepened relationship with instructions including the National Assembly (NASS) Federal Ministry of Education and TETFUND with the aim of attracting project to the Institution.

He regretted that the federal government has refused to release UNIUYO’s take-off grant, till date, despite several appeals stressing, “We have tirelessly advocated for the release of the University’s take-off grant pending since 1991, as well as increased federal government support to our University.

 “We call on all alumnus to join hands with the executive to establish exchange programme for the University’s students with other Institutions globally, to support the completion of ongoing projects and partner in developing secure infrastructure for electronic voting in the upcoming election”

Luke, also a former speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, specially appreciated governor Eno for his support to the alumni, and for his administration’s support to the federal Institution.

  The guest speaker, Inam Wilson (SAN) while speaking on the topic, “Drawing from the gown to influence the Town-The Missing Link” expressed concern that the missing link had been that Vice Chancellors of Universities always push for increased allocation, stressing that there’s need for them to look inwards to generate their own resources.

   The event which was chaired by Chairman of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation  Mr Ide Owodiong-Idemeko, witnessed the presentation of awards to other deserving members among who were Secretary to State Government (SSG) Prince Enobong Uwah, and Vice Chancellor of UNIUYO, Prof Nyaudoh Ndaeyo as well as induction of new members.