VC tasks alumni on giving back to alma mater

Vice chancellor, University of Nigeria (UNN), Prof Charles Igwe has called on alumni members to embrace the culture of giving back to their alma mater.

Prof Igwe who spoke at the inauguration of a multi-million naira building project donated to the university by the chief executive officer of Future Concerns group, Anthony Oguike said old students should learn to give back instead of looking for what they could get from their alma mater.

Prof Igwe urged staff of the university to treat students very kindly reminding that they are the future alumni who would remember the university and return to show gratitude.

The vice chancellor thanked the donor for being an exemplary alumnus of the institution who had demonstrated love for his alma mater.

Oguike, an alumnus of the department of mechanical engineering said he was moved to donate the building in memory of his late father, Mr Solomon Okechukwu Oguike, because of the value the university added to his life.

He said, “This university gave me confidence to think strategically,” while thanking the administration for holding forte with excellent academic tradition.

He said he would furnish the building, which already had multi-media facilities and air conditioners.

Oguike, who had earlier donated a block of conveniences he built for students, a solar plant and project vehicle to the faculty, said his major concern was for students to have a better learning environment and facilities than what was obtainable in his days as a student in the university.

“I want to tell the students that there is hope for them, all they need to do is to work hard and believe in themselves”, the safety expert said.”

The Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof Val Ekechukwu said the building, valued at N200m would serve as the department of biomedical engineering.

He commended Oguike for his love for the faculty and pledged that the building would be adequately utilised for the purpose of learning.