As University of Nigeria Nsukka marks its golden jubilee, 50 years of its existence, the Alumni has honoured Prof. Barineme Beke Fakae and Senibo Dr. Sam Sam Jaja (JP) KSC
The honour was conferred on the two personalities at the 50th anniversary dinner and fund raising ceremony held at the Banquet hall, Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday, April 14, 2012, having considered them worthy of emulation as men who have distinguished themselves positively in the society.
In his welcome address, the National organizing committee chairman, Sir. (Dr.) Gabriel T.G. Toby, said the University of Nigeria is not just a child of Nigeria’s Independent, but that it symbolized in so many ways the country’s dream and aspirations at inception as a nation. He said its exceptionally rich history as an institution also speaks eloquently about the strong fabric that holds the nation together.
He said the golden anniversary of the university affords the Alumni the opportunity of taking stocks of the achievements of the school, its prospects and the challenges, particularly in meeting its very lofty founding motto, “To restore the dignity of Man”.
“While our great alma mater has produced great men and women who have excelled in their various chosen careers both locally and internationally, it has also suffered significantly from the common affliction of every public tertiary institution in Nigeria- poor founding and deplorable infrastructure. It is for this reason we have decided to seize the opportunity of this golden jubilee to launch a fund-raising and endowment drive,” Sir Toby stated.
He assured that considering the caliber of people involved in the alumni, whatever goal they set for themselves would be achieved.
In his speech to pressmen, Sir Toby said the time has come when alumni should be committed to their alma maters wherever they are, especially as government could not sponsor the university alone.
He decried the admission of children into university and said the university is not for children, adding that a 16 years child has not known how to take care of himself and that is why some of them dabble into social vices and that if they are mature before they are admitted, they would know how to withstand whatever may come their way.
Speaking to newsmen, the National president, Dr. Nwanne Chioke decried the lack of technological impact in the country, stating that during the civil war, the People’s Republic of Biafra survived through the work of technology done by only the University of Nigeria, Nsukka alone and that things would improve in this direction when the government creates enabling environment for that.
In their separate speeches, Prof. Barineme Fakae and Dr. Sam Sam Jaja appreciated the Alumni and said the award was a great honour for them. ###
Mene Gbarabe
