Sir Gabriel Toby, former Deputy Government of Rivers State said the University of Nigeria Nsuka Alumini Association is to generate the sum of N50Bn to put the University in the fast lane of development.
Sir, Toby disclosed this at the Nigerian Union of Journalists office at Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, during a Press briefing with media men. The former Deputy Governor who led the delegation of other officers of the Alumni stated that there is need for people in high position of trust to contribute positively to their Alma matter.
He said the call became necessary because of the present decaying of infrastructure at the university now so old students should do whatever they could to contribute to the growth of the institution. Narrating on the beginning of the institution, Sir Toby stated that University of Nigeria was formally opened on October 7, 1960 by Princes Alexandra of Kent, of the United Kingdom, and the pioneer students were only 220 in number. Sir Dr. G.T.G Toby, who is the Chairman National Organizing Committee said the programme of the University was fashioned in a way to benefit the Nigerian Society. He said the concept of service to humanity was one of the key reasons for the establishment of the university.
Dr. Toby stated that already the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Bartho Okolo has earlier inaugurated the National Organizing Committee which mandate was given to the former Deputy Governor to chair. He posited that their work include highlighting the achievements of the University since inception and show the current strategic plans. When asked whether UNN is still on course in respect of its standard, he answered that the university has kept to its standard, especially on its ideology and programmes in giving essential manpower and skills to Nigerians, knowing that the Deputy Secretary General, OAU Mr. Peter Omu was a graduate of UNN. On how unique the university is from others, Sir Toby said the university was the first to award indigenous degree which was established in 1965 as an Alumni.
On the response so far from members and corporate organizations for the project sum of N50Bn, Mr. Maxi Nnamdi Okuadigbo the Chairman L.O.C, said the money will be raised in 10 years’ time to build student hostels, staff quarters, and to complete the ICT projects, the biggest in Africa, which will produce exam scripts and results on time, water projects, among others. Maxi Nnamdi Okuadigbo said it was not quite easy but there were progress reports so far. When asked what the Alumni has done on the issue of social vices on the campus, the LOC Chairman said everybody was worried, even parents and the vice chancellor came together to solve such problem.
Earlier, sir Gabriel Toby said the activities marking the Golden Jubilee of the UNN has kick-started and the Port Harcourt branch will be holding the fund raising dinner on Saturday 14th April, 2012 at the Banquet Hall of Presidential Hotel Port Harcourt by 6.30pm. Professor D. M.J Fubara, Professor of Geodesy and professor Bedford Fubara, Professor of Business Policy and Strategy have been listed as guest speakers. The event is to be chaired by a renowned jurist, Hon. Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte, JSC, (Rtd) while His Excellency, Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour. Others on the team of the visit are Maxi Nnamdi Okuadigbo, LOC Chairman, Mr. Charles Obi Onyekwele member LOC, and Sir Ben Okonkwo Deputy National President and Cordinator of the program. ####
Pius Dukor
