UNIZIK Alumni celebrates 19 first class graduates at homecoming

By Praise Chinecherem

A total of 19 first-class students of Continuous Education Programme (CEP), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State have been honoured by the leadership of the body.

The awardees were honored during the UNIZIK CEP Alumni Homecoming and Award Presentation held at the ASUU Secretariat of the institution.

Former governorship candidate in Anambra State, Valentine Ozigbo; CEO of Olite Manufacturing Companies, Mr. John Nwabueze, and Chief Chinedu Umeadi, were among other personalities honored with humanitarian service awards in Awka, Anambra State.

Other awardees were Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechukwu Esimone; Traditional Ruler of Akwaeze kingdom, Igwe Christopher Okpala and his Umueri counterpart, Igwe Benneth Emeka; Prof. Patrick Ekwunife, Dr. Chinedu Umeadi and Chief Jude Akpua, member representing Njikoka II constituency in the State House Assembly.

Also awarded were High Chief Jombosco Onunkwo, Chief John Chiadizu, Chief Dr Egbuna Okechi, Chief Polycap Onwuka, Mr Nwogu Desmond and Onyebuchi Anizobanwota, among others.

Speaking during the event, Director, CEP, UNIZIK, Prof. Ngozi Agu said the awardees were recognized for their diligence and outstanding academic performances.

She explained that the reunion was targeted at celebrating CEP graduates who distinguished themselves in academic engagements during their studentship in the programme.

Receiving his award, Ozigbo identified good governance and Continuous Improvement as two principles critical to changing Nigeria’s present situation.

He said, “Good governance, as a principle, is at the peak of everything Nigeria needs to do. Another is the principle of continuous improvement. Our society cannot progress without adhering to these principles.

“Besides, a well-educated and trained workforce is needed for economic productivity and the reduction of social inequality, hence the need for more support and attention to programmes such as the CEP in the country.”

Corroborating, Umueri kingdom monarch, Benneth Emeka, said the place of education in the growth and development of society can never be overemphasized.

He said the CEP program has bridged the gap and provided an opportunity for people who have no sponsor at the early stage of life to gain a university education and certificate.

The monarch, a beneficiary of the programme, encouraged business owners, artisans, and the like at various locations to leverage the opportunity and acquire sound learning for their personal growth and advancement.

Chairman of the occasion and CEO of Olite Manufacturing Companies, John Nwabueze, said the programme has closed the gap of minorities, adding that everyone now has an equal opportunity of getting certified in their chosen field.

Earlier, University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone said CEP has taken a strategic position in providing learning opportunities for the public.

Esimone, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu urged the public to key into the quality programmes of the institution, noting that the university has provided opportunity for learning in diverse fields to meet the needs of the society.