By Jonathan Lois
The member representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Hon Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, has been appointed the Chairman of the National Organising Committee the University of Nigeria Alumni Association.
This was as the association inaugurated the Committee for the Founder’s Day celebration of the institution at the University Liaison Office in Abuja on Friday, September 24, 2024.
Hon. Onuakalusi, in his acceptance speech noted that the main essence of the Founders Day is to celebrate the founding fathers of their Alma Mater in the establishment of the school, which happens to be the first indigenous university in Nigeria, modelled after Michigan University, USA.
According to him, it was envisioned as an exclusive launch pad for educational excellence and to restore the dignity of the black race.
He said the Committee’s primary objective will be to build a Grand Research Institute, a 5,000-seat amphitheater, an Alumni Secretariat, and Conference Arena.
“This year marks the 64th Founder’s Day, and the committee’s primary objective is to build the Founders Tower, which will house a Grand Research Institute, a 5,000-seat amphitheater, an Alumni Secretariat, and Conference Arena,” he said.
“The Founders Tower will also feature a Hall of Fame to recognize the University’s exceptional alumni across various fields. To achieve this, the committee aims to raise N5 billion only and complete the project within 48 months.
“The National Organising Committee will comprise seven sub-committees, including Infrastructure and Works, ( ESV Ben Okoronkwo ) 2. Finance( ESV Mike Ezechukwu) 3. Media and Publicity ( Prof Charles Nwekeaku) . 4. Legal( Mr Monday Ubani (SAN) , 5. Administrative (Barr Juliet Ukoha) 6. Welfare& Logistics, (Barr Barr Chioma okeke ) and 6. Contact and Mobilization”. (Chief Osita Chidoka). 7. Security ( ESV (AIG) Ben Igweh) 8. Dr Ben Onwudinjo 9. lady Stella Maduka (Vice Chairman)
“The University of Nigeria, established by Rt. Honourable Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and others, was modelled after Michigan University, USA. Its founding principles focus on restoring human dignity, particularly for the black race, through education and knowledge,” he said.
The Alumni Association plans to collaborate with the University to establish an Endowment Fund for research and support lecturers to mitigate brain drain.
Key stakeholders, including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Minister of Education, will be invited to support this initiative on December 4,2024.
The origin of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) motto, “To Restore the Dignity of Man,” has its roots in the 15th-century philosopher Count Giovanni Pico della Mirandola’s renowned oration, “De Dignitate Hominis” (“On the Dignity of Man”), delivered in 1486.
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