The University of Uyo Alumni Association has called on the Federal Government to release the institution’s takeoff grant, pending since 1991 when the university began academic sessions.
The association’s President, Onofiok Luke, made the call during the 2024 reunion held at Ibom Icon Hotel, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday.
The university’s vice-chancellors, including the incumbent, Prof Nyaudo Ndaeyo, have advocated the release of the grant at various forums to help the institution address its critical challenges.
Luke, a former member of the House of Representatives and former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, said the alumni body had also made a case for the release of the grant.
He called on all alumni to join hands with the executive to address other critical concerns of the institution.
“We have also tirelessly advocated for the release of the university’s takeoff grant, pending since 1991, and an increase in the Federal Government’s support for our university.
“We call on all alumni to join hands with the executive body to establish exchange programmes for the students with other institutions globally, support the completion of ongoing projects and partner in developing secure infrastructure for electronic voting in the upcoming election,” Luke said.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, also an alumnus of the institution, challenged the body to contribute to the development of the alma mater.
Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi, stated that it was a misnomer for the alumni to make progress while the training institution decayed.
He said, “Alumni all over the world play crucial roles in the development of their alma mater after graduation,” adding that abandoning such an institution was tantamount to pushing down the ladder used in climbing up.
“This reunion shouldn’t stop with the exchange of banters, delivering of speeches, recounting of fond memories, clinking of glasses and revival of old friendships.
“We should consciously go beyond these exciting moments to commit to giving back to the school which equipped us for the great lives we are enjoying today.
“It is a misnomer for alumni to make progress as individuals while their alma mater is decaying.
“All over the world, alumni play crucial roles in the development of their alma mater. Abandoning your alma mater after graduation is akin to pushing down the ladder after using it to ascend heights you ordinarily wouldn’t have reached,” Eno said.
Also, the state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Charles Udoh, said “Alumni is not just an event but a testament of an enduring bond and memories that connect all of us here together.
“We have grown, we have evolved and we have excelled in countless ways but remain united by our common goals and values, instilled in us by our great university.”
The guest speaker, Inam Wilson (SAN), advocated for synergy between the town and the gown, adding that there should be connectivity to drive excellence.
He lamented that the missing link had been that vice-chancellors of universities always pushed for increased allocation without necessarily looking inward to generate their resources.
The occasion witnessed the presentation of awards to members and the induction of new ones.
Credit: THE PUNCH
