Felix Ikem, Nsukka

A don at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Chiemeka Chilaka, has said that partnership between the Alumni Association and the University of Nigeria would foster sustainable development in the institution.

Chilaka, a Professor of Biochemistry, made this known during the Dignity of Man lecture organised by the University to mark her 58th Founders Day celebration with the theme ‘The University of Nigeria and Alumni : A new Paradigm in Sustainable Partnership’.

According to Prof. Chilaka, it has become obvious that the Federal government cannot fully  provide funds for the University to run its administration which is why there seem to be a slow pace of development both In terms of infrastructure and academics  generally.

He recalled that there were times when the University received huge funding from the Federal Government to run its academic activities effectively, but regretted that the situation has since changed, especially with the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) of 1985.

He called on the Association to take bold steps in order to salvage the university  system from its dwindling state.

According to him, “A University will not be  competitive if its Alumni Association does not function optimally.

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Earlier in his address, the Vice-chancellor of the University, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba said that the Alumni Association of the University has consistently and devotedly committed its time and energy to the growth and development of the University.

Prof. Ozumba noted that the University, for the first time, is currently occupying a prestigious position in the map of not only African Universities but world Universities.

He added that this achievement would not have been possible without the continued support of staff and students of the University as well as the Alumni Association.

According to him, “The Association has taken a cue from its peers in other first  generation Universities as it is, for the first time in the history of the University,

performing a ground-breaking ceremony to signal the beginning of a construction of a befitting Alumni building on the campus.