Keep Hope Alive Amidst Challenges – Varsity Dons urge Students

By Praise Chinecherem

University lecturers and other stakeholders in education sector have charged students to keep hope alive amidst political and socio-economic challenges confronting the country.

They also challenged the students to hardworking, resilient and embrace mentorship in order to explore opportunities the future held for them.

Speaking during an induction/award presentation ceremony by Ifitedunu Students Association, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Chapter, a university don, Prof Benjamin Arah described life as journey that must be pursued through productive and goal oriented approach to be successful.

Arah, lecturer in Bowie State University and Montgomery College, United States of America, who spoke virtually, acknowledged leadership problem in the nation, encouraging youths not to lose hope.

Recalling his days as security guard, Arah, who is also the International Coordinator Ifitedunu Professionals, said he was able to succeed as a result of hardwork and resilience.

Guest Speaker and current Head, Department of Statistics, UNIZIK, Prof. Happiness Obiora-Ilouno advised students to remain persistent and steadfast in their academic pursuit by eschewing any form of distractions.

Speaking on the topic, “The Secret of Academic Excellence”, Obiora-Ilouno described education as key to societal growth and development which, according to her was why UNESCO promogated the release of 30 percent of the appropriation bill of any nation to education.

She highlighted the efficacy of prayers as there are underlying forces that can distort and hinder one’s academic endeavour.

Another speaker, and Deputy Director, Centre for Counselling and Career Development UNIZIK, Pharm. Dr. Chika Abba called on students to remain focused on the essence of being in the institution which is to study and graduate with good grades.

Speaking on the topic, “University Rules and Regulations based on GAR and Career Development”, the scholar reminded students on importance of adding value to their educational qualification as well as need to make best of the opportunity in view of the short stay they have in the Ivory tower.

Describing as apt the event theme, “Labouring For A Glorious Future”, Abba enjoined the students to put in their best to record success stories so as to be a source of blessing to others.

Chairman on the occasion, Comrade Anthony Azodo, a Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, charged students to focus on their academic pursuits with every sense of responsibility, avoiding unnecessary societal distractions to succeed in life.

Contributing, Staff Adviser of the Association, Prof Stephen Ufoaroh said the event was targeted at rewarding deserving natives of the community who had invested in education and to build relationships among themselves.

Ufoaroh, immediate past Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) UNIZIK Chapter, urged the students to be passionate about the affairs of the association and strive at academic excellence to ensure their usefulness both to themselves and to the community.

He called on the union executives to see the association as a collective responsibility geared towards the success and welfare of the student’s of Ifitedunu in school and not a personal venture.

Earlier, President of the Association, Comrade Stanley Nwoye, hailed Prof Ufoaroh for his tireless efforts and his role towards establishment of the association.

He encouraged members to approach their studies with determination and strive for growth and advancement of the body to attain greater heights.

The ceremony witnessed recognition and award presentations to pillars of education in Ifitedunu community including former Chief Whip at the Anambra State House of Assembly (ASHIA), Chief Lawrence Ezeudu; Director of Budget (Presidency), Pastor Ben Akabueze who was represented by his younger brother, Mr. Onyeka Akabueze.

Others are Prince (Engr) Sir Godfrey Chudie Obinabo who was represented by immediate past President of Ifitedunu Community, Chief Samuel Nweke; Chief Chukwuneke Debiaezue and Chief Ezeana Obiora Debiaezue whose awards were received by Hon. Chigbo Dibiaezue.