The Vice-Chancellor Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU/UNIZIK), Awka, Professor Joseph Ahaneku, has charged members of the Alumni of the university to strive for Excellence in their chosen fields of endeavor in order to make the expected impact of the society.

Speaking at the 2015 National Convention of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association held in Awka over the weekend, Prof, Ahaneku urged former students of the institution to focus their minds on making selfless contributions for the upliftment of mankind in line with the exceptional achievements of the legendary Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in whose honour the university was established.

Describing the great Zik of Africa as an enigma and a colossus whose footsteps in the sands of time was yet to be equaled by any other Nigerian in the fields’ of sports, academics, business, journalism, politics as well as African culture, combine together, the vice chancellor charged the large crowd of ex-students to always exhibit same strength of character and commitment to duty wherever they may be and whatever they do.

While disclosing that over 80 ex-students of the institution now study in various institutions abroad on scholarship which was made possible by the academic linkage programme between it and China government, he expressed joy that UNIZIK has grown tremendously over the years.

Ahaneku also reacted on the recent grading of the university as the 8th best institution in Nigeria and 42nd in Africa by an international rating agency, saying it was an indication that “the institution has made progress in the area of academic citations and research publications.”

Earlier in his keynote address, the Speaker and one of the Founders of the association, Prof. Emeka Ezeonu, chronicled challenges that confronted the group during its formative stages and appealed to the current leadership to keep the flag flying without blemish in order to sustain the prevailing atmosphere of trust and confidence between them and the management of the university.

Prof. Ezeonu pledged the readiness of the founding fathers towards ensuring that the association remained a unifying force for all ex-students who must have acquired any certificate from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka.

The 2015 National Convention of UNIZIK Alumni Association which was attended by delegates from various states and cities in the country witnessed the amendments of some sections of the association’s constitution as well as the re-election and swearing-in of the national executives for a three-year tenure as conducted by Justice Mike Okonkwo of the Anambra State high court.

The 14-member national executive council include Barrister Nwafili Okwuosa from Onitsha branch as president, Mr. Cyprain Nwankwoagu of Abakiliki branch as secretary and Rotarian Ejiofo Umegbogu of the Awka branch as the National Public Relations officer.

•Photo shows Prof. Ahaneku.

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