Empowering Dreams, Building Futures: NAUAA Holds Maiden Scholarship Award Ceremony at UNIZIK
The landmark event, held at the Chisco Institute Hall within the university campus, was organised to provide financial support to indigent students as part of the association’s commitment to giving back to its alma mater and empowering the next generation of scholars.
For many indigent students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, the burden of tuition fees often stands between them and their academic dreams. On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, hope took a new shape as the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association (NAUAA) turned gratitude into action with its Maiden Scholarship Award Ceremony.
The landmark event, held at the Chisco Institute Hall within the university campus, was organised to provide financial support to indigent students as part of the association’s commitment to giving back to its alma mater and empowering the next generation of scholars.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries from within and outside the state, including the Mayor of Orumba North Local Government Area, Hon. Capt. Cosmire Nwafor, who also served as the Chairman of the occasion. Other notable personalities in attendance were the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. U.B. Anyaehie, represented at the event, and the Anambra State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, both special guests of honour.
The event commenced with an opening prayer by Prof. E.E. Ejiofor Gift, who also spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor. In her address, she described the scholarship initiative as timely and highly commendable, applauding the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association under the leadership of its Global President, Assoc. Prof. Ikechukwu Umeh, for demonstrating genuine concern for students facing financial difficulties. She acknowledged the collective efforts of the association’s executives and appreciated the Chairman of the ceremony for honouring the invitation. She thereafter formally declared the ceremony open on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the event, Hon. Capt. Cosmire Nwafor, reflected on university life as a defining stage where students begin to make independent decisions that shape their future, unlike secondary school where peer influence often dominates. He commended the NAUAA President and his executive members for their dedication, recalling the official launch of the scholarship scheme in June 2025.
Hon. Nwafor advised the beneficiaries not to take the opportunity for granted and encouraged them to consider engaging in legitimate side hustles to complement the scholarship. He shared personal experiences from his student days when he worked as a teacher to support himself and assist his parents. He also commended the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for his commitment to improving education in the state.
Delivering the presidential welcome address, the Global President of NAUAA, Chief Ikechukwu Umeh, noted that the ceremony was a fulfilment of the association’s collective vision unveiled on June 13, 2025, under the theme “Empowering Dreams, Building the Future.”
“On that memorable day, we did not only launch a scholarship scheme; we made a bold statement about who we are as alumni of this great institution—a people committed to giving back, lifting others, and sustaining the legacy of excellence of Nnamdi Azikiwe University,” he said.
Congratulating the beneficiaries, Chief Umeh emphasised that the award was based on merit, resilience, and academic commitment. He described the scholarship as more than financial support, but a message of belief and encouragement from alumni who once occupied the same seats as the recipients. He urged them to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence as ambassadors of the NAUAA family.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of scholarships to indigent students across various faculties, including Agriculture, Arts, Education, Environmental Sciences, among others. The exercise, which also covered students with physical challenges, was coordinated by the committee secretary, Dr. Chikodili Anaukwu. Additional donations were made during the ceremony, bringing the scholarship support to ₦100,000 per academic session for each beneficiary as tuition assistance.
In a goodwill message, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. U.B. Anyaehie, expressed profound gratitude to the Alumni Association for the generous gesture and encouraged individuals with the capacity to support those in need to do so, even outside organised events.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Victor Chidera, a 200-level Mathematics student, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the NAUAA for the life-changing support. He assured the association that the beneficiaries would continue to meet the stipulated academic criteria and justify the confidence reposed in them.
The maiden scholarship ceremony marked a significant milestone for the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association, reinforcing its commitment to empowering students, strengthening alumni-student relations, and sustaining the legacy of excellence within the instituti,on.
