NOCEN ALUMNI, NEW PROVOST FORGE PARTNERSHIP FOR INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH

By Uzo Ugwunze

The Alumni Association of Nwafor Orizu College of Education (NOCEN), Nsugbe, has pledged to partner with the institution in fostering its continued growth and development, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the over 40 year old teacher training institution that has produced outstanding educators in Nigeria and beyond.

The commitment was made on June 9, when members of the National Executive Council of the Alumni Association paid a strategic visit to the newly appointed Provost of the College, Prof. Victor Ndirika, and his management team.

Leading the delegation, the pioneer National President of the Alumni Association, Prince Emeka Ernest Oramadike, a 1987 Accounts/Economics graduate of the College, recalled with nostalgia the positive impact the institution had on its graduates through quality training, dedicated lecturers, and effective administration.

Prince Oramadike described the College as the bedrock upon which many of its alumni built their careers and lives, noting that the institution remains a source of pride to all who passed through its halls.

The Alumni President and his executive members, who expressed satisfaction with the infrastructural transformation taking place within the institution, commended the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for the significant improvement in road infrastructure within the College. They noted that the Governor once served as an Economics lecturer at the institution in the mid 1980s.

To strengthen the Alumni Association, Prince Oramadike appealed to the College Management to establish an effective system that would facilitate the automatic registration of graduating students into the Association.

Reflecting on student life during the 1980s, he also advocated for the revitalization of extracurricular and social activities on campus, stressing that a vibrant social environment would enrich students’ overall educational experience.

Responding, the Provost, Engr. Prof. Victor Ndirika, assured the delegation that one of his key priorities is to transform the College into a full fledged university. He disclosed that strategic plans and programmes have already been initiated to actualize the vision.

Prof. Ndirika further expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Alumni Association and other stakeholders in harnessing the institution’s vast potential and opportunities.

He revealed that the College currently operates several agro based ventures, including poultry, piggery, goat rearing, fish farming, and extensive hectares of fertile land suitable for crop cultivation. He stated that the institution is open to partnerships with investors interested in these sectors.

Describing the Alumni Association as a critical stakeholder in the institution’s development, the Provost encouraged members to remain actively involved in initiatives that would advance the College.

In his contribution, the National Legal Adviser of the Alumni Association, Barr. Nnadiume Awforkansi, called for efforts to address and harmonize the existing divide between NCE and Degree graduates regarding membership in the Alumni Association.

Earlier, in a vote of thanks, the Bursar of the College, Mr. Tony Aniebo, expressed confidence that the partnership between the institution and the Alumni Association would create new opportunities for growth and development. He assured the delegation that the management would deploy available administrative structures to strengthen communication and mobilize more graduates into the Association.

Other members of the College Management present at the meeting included the Acting College Librarian, Dr. Mrs. Chioma Azubuike; the Acting Registrar, Mrs. Edith Nwoye; and the Deputy Director of Works, Engr. Nnamdi Onyili.

The National President of the Alumni Association was accompanied by the National Vice Presidents I and II, Ubaka Onwuanibe and Ozo Hon. Emma Onoh, respectively, alongside other officials of the Association.