By Nkiru Anakor
The 2006 graduating set of the Department of English, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), has donated academic materials worth ₦1 million to the university and commenced sponsorship of tuition fees for selected students.
The gesture was part of activities marking the set’s 20th anniversary of graduation and was announced during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, on Aug. 7.
Leading the delegation, the Head of the Department of English, Prof. Ikechukwu Asika, introduced the alumni and staff to the university management and commended Omenugha for her commitment to the institution’s development.
Asika noted the significant transformation recorded across the university, particularly at the Igbariam and Uli campuses, describing the alumni’s return as an opportunity to reconnect with the institution that shaped them and contribute to its continued development.
Speaking on behalf of the alumni, the President of the 2006 set, Dr. Chukwulobe Innocent, thanked the university management for the warm reception. He said the set resolved to return to its alma mater to reconnect, contribute and give back to the institution.
Innocent said the alumni donated academic materials valued at approximately ₦1 million to support teaching and learning in the Department of English, adding that they had also commenced sponsorship of tuition fees for selected students.
Also speaking, Prof. Ifejirika expressed delight that former students of the department were making meaningful contributions in their various fields. He commended the set for returning to its alma mater, saying their achievements and willingness to give back demonstrated the broad opportunities provided by studying English.
Responding on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Environmental Sustainability, Prof. Anselem Nweke, welcomed the alumni to what he described as “the university of now and the future.” He commended the set for remembering its alma mater two decades after graduation and translating its appreciation into tangible support.
Nweke described the donation and tuition sponsorship as significant gestures capable of making a difference in the academic lives of current students.
He assured the alumni that the university remained open to partnerships and collaborations that would generate greater impact, adding that COOU welcomed meaningful contributions from its alumni.
Nkiru Anakor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
