UNN Alumni Set to Mark 64th Founder’s Day With N5b Project

The University of Nigeria Alumni Association has inaugurated its National Organising Committee for the Founder’s Day celebration at the University Liaison Office in Abuja.

Hon. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi was appointed Chairman of the committee.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Onuakalusi noted that the main essence of the Founder’s Day is to celebrate the founding fathers of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the first indigenous university in Nigeria, modeled after Michigan University, USA.

The University of Nigeria, established by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and others were envisioned as an exclusive launch pad for educational excellence and restore the dignity of man, particularly the black man.

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.

Hon Onukalusi said, “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”.

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 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 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.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Blessing Nyor