Anambra Commissioner advises students to live after Nwafor Orizu

NOCEN inaugurates alumni association,exco after 40years

By Uzo Ebele

The Honourable Commissioner for Basic Education, Anambra State, Prof. Kate Omenugha has advised the students of Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe (NOCEN) to live after the name of the institution’s eponym – His Excellency,Rt Hon Nwafor Orizu (Late).

Prof. Omenugha who was among the pioneer students of the college made the call recently as NOCEN inaugurated their Alumi association and first Alumni executives after about 40 years of the institution’s existence.

“I am quite enthralled that this alumni association is happening now. It is long overdue. I really commend Ubaka Onwuanuibe and his team for this initiative. NOCEN is a great institution. We cannot forget lecturers like Prof Alice Ndu wife of Prof Felix Ndu, the first College Provost, Ik Ukeje, Tony Anyaegbu who were phenomenal and we need to give back to the college that made many of us what we are today.

“I also advise students to focus on their studies and live after the noble statesman-Nwafor Orizu who was the second Senate President and Acting President of Nigeria in the first republic. They should have vision to get to the peak of their careers just like many of us who are well placed in the soceity today”, said Omenugha.

Earlier while inaugurating the alumni association, the NOCEN Provost, Dr. Ifeyinwa Osegbo flanked by the Registrar, Mr. Godwin Okeke, Bursar, Mr. Peter Iloakasi, H.O.D. Works department, Engr. Nnamdi Onyili, and NOCEN Public Relations Officer, Comrade Benny Egbunonu assured the alumni that the college was highly excited about the establishment of the body which would bring progress adding that management was ready to work with them.

“This is a historic day in this institution thanks to Ubaka Onwuanuibe and others. This inauguration has opened a new chapter of infrastructural developments and capacity building in this college.

“I believe the alumni will help showcase the college to the outside world because members of the alumni include captains of industries, medical Practitioners, lawyers, engineers, Educationists, Principals just like Mr. Vincent Tagbo who was among the pioneer 1984 set with our current Honorable Commissioner, Prof Omenugha. When the students look up to such accomplished persons in the soceity they feel proud of the institution”, said Dr. Osegbo.

Similarly, the Pioneer Provost, Prof. Felix Ndu and his wife Alice while receiving the NOCEN alumni at their country home, Awkuzu, Oyi LGA, Anambra State during a courtesy visit tasked them to pursue clear objectives that will add value to both their lives, their almer mater and affect NOCEN students positively.

However, the trio of Veteran Broadcaster Ubaka Onwuanuibe(initiator/coordinator), National Legal Adviser, Barr. Clement Awforkansi and Mr Vincent Tagbo in there separate speeches noted that the essence of establishing the alumni association was that they saw the need to give back to the institution that was strategic in making them what they were in the soceity today saying that it was a call to sacrifice.

Moreover, the newly elected alumni executives include Chief Emeka Oramadike(National President), Anthony Ofozoba(VP I), Ubaka Onwuanibe (VP II), Emmanuel Onoh(VP III), Ijeoma Okpe(Secretary), Izuchukwu Akamigbo(Asst. Secretary), Vincent Chukwujekwu(Treasurer), Ekene Akwuobi(Fin Sec), Jude Chukwujiora(Asst Treasurer), Barr. Clement Awforkansi (National Legal Adviser), Herbert Ibe(Internal Auditor), Izuchukwu Mbanugo(Asst. Internal Auditor).

Others are Shedrach Offor(Publicity Secretary), Obinna Ibekwe(Asst. Pub Sec), Jude Ihemenam(Chief Marshall), Lawrence Ozoemena(Asst. Marshall), Michael Ibeto(Welfare Chief), Amana Alagu(Deputy Welfare), Gloria Obi(Chief Liason Officer), Obiageli Oguejiofor(Deputy Liason Officer), Chinelo Ude-Ekpe(Liason Officer North), Peter Oguejiofor (Liason Officer West).

In his acceptance speech, the alumni National President, Chief Emeka Oramadike after comending the initiator Ubaka Onwuanibe, the Electoral Officer, Barr. Clement Awforkansi, NOCEN management, and other colleagues who made the alumni association dream come into fruition solicited for everyone’s support to ensure that the objectives of the association were carried out.

“This is a call for service. I thank everyone. I am accessible and I need everyone’s support. Our first assignment is to hold regular meetings and publicize the existence of this alumni association for those who are not here today to join our mission”, said Oramadike.