UNIZIK Alumni Converge For Impact, Legacy, Global Excellence, Honour Outstanding Members
The event, themed “Uniting UNIZIK Alumni for Impact, Legacy and Global Excellence,” marked the second edition of the reunion initiative, which seeks to foster stronger relationships, shared experiences and collective contributions among graduates of the institution.
By Oguocha Chukwuebuka
The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Alumni Association (NAUAA) Converge 2.0, held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the yet-to-be-completed Alumni Centre, brought together distinguished alumni, VIPs and dignitaries from various fields of endeavour across Nigeria and beyond, many of whom are graduates of the prestigious Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
The event was organised by a 31-member committee inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Stanley Ugochukwu Anyaehie. It was designed to strengthen alumni engagement, raise funds for university development, and celebrate the achievements and contributions of UNIZIK graduates in various fields.
The event, themed “Uniting UNIZIK Alumni for Impact, Legacy and Global Excellence,” marked the second edition of the reunion initiative, which seeks to foster stronger relationships, shared experiences and collective contributions among graduates of the institution.
Converge 2.0 was held under the leadership of the Global President and Convener of NAUAA, Professor Ikechukwu Innocent Umeh, as alumni gathered to celebrate their shared heritage while exploring ways to create lasting impact and build a stronger legacy for their alma mater.
The event featured speeches, award presentations, donations towards the completion of the NAUAA Alumni Centre and cultural displays.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Chief Executive Officer of Seahorse and NDC senatorial candidate for Anambra South, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo; Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim; Member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Professor Obiageli Lilian Orogbu; and Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Anambra State Council, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, among others.
In his opening speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, appreciated the alumni association for giving him the opportunity to participate in the event, noting that although he was not a graduate of the institution, he had come to appreciate the values that UNIZIK represents.
Onunkwo said his understanding of institutional affinity had gone beyond where an individual received his education, stressing that shared values could also create a strong bond between individuals and institutions.
He said, “I have come to appreciate that affinity with an institution is not defined only by where one was educated, but by the values one chooses to uphold. Nnamdi Azikiwe University represents values such as self-reliance and excellence, which the university continues to uphold.”
He added that the theme of the convergence spoke directly to the responsibilities of the alumni, not only to celebrate an institution that shaped them but also to contribute to its growth and advancement.
Onunkwo further commended the Vice-Chancellor and the entire university community for their continued commitment to maintaining the standards and structures of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Evaristus Afiadigwe, explained that the Converge initiative was launched in April 2024 to bring together UNIZIK alumni and friends from different parts of the world.
According to him, the initiative was designed to enable alumni reconnect with their alma mater, assess its achievements and challenges, and identify areas where they could make meaningful contributions.
He said the decision to hold the second edition at the Alumni Centre was deliberate, as it offered stakeholders an opportunity to see firsthand the current state of the project and understand the need for collective intervention towards its completion.
Also speaking, the Global President of NAUAA, Professor Ikechukwu Innocent Umeh, described Converge 2.0 as more than an alumni gathering, describing it as a homecoming and a call for collective responsibility.
According to him, the theme captured the responsibilities of the alumni, with unity requiring members to rise above their differences; impact demanding the conversion of their human and material resources into tangible results; legacy requiring them to leave something enduring for future generations; while global excellence challenges them to project the image and values of UNIZIK positively wherever they find themselves.
Professor Umeh disclosed that the association had set a target of completing the Alumni Centre within the next eight months.
He expressed optimism that the alumni would reconvene at the same venue to commission a completed and befitting structure.
The NAUAA President therefore called on members to transform their commitments into resources and the resources into the completion of the project.
In his keynote address, Professor Ozonnia Oche, represented by Barrister Mrs Okoli, described alumni as the living legacy of any institution.He noted that alumni serve as ambassadors of their alma mater, promoting its ideals and contributing to society across different fields.According to him, when alumni remain united, they become a powerful force capable of driving institutional development, supporting students, influencing national progress and enhancing the global reputation of their universities.
A major highlight of the convergence was the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities in recognition of their achievements, contributions to society and support for the university.
Among those honoured were Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim; Prince Engineer Arthur Eze; Senator Ikeje Israel Asogwa, representing Enugu North Senatorial District in the National Assembly; Professor Obiageli Lilian Orogbu, representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency; Chief Ebuka Onunkwo; Dr Obioma Hillary Ibegbulem; DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie; Raymond Nwagu Mbadiwe; Sir Monday Onyeme; Dr Obiora Udeozo; Vincent Okechi Egbuna; Chief Dr Cosmas Mgbojikwe; and High Chief Dr Sir Darlington Nwabunike.
As a prelude to the main event, the NAUAA delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, at the Council Chamber of the university.Leading the delegation, the Global President and Convener of NAUAA, Professor Ikechukwu Innocent Umeh, said the alumni had gathered once again to honour their alma mater and considered it necessary to pay homage to the university leadership.Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Director of Academic Planning, Professor Angela Ufele-Obiesie, welcomed the alumni back to the university and appreciated their continued support.She recalled the alumni’s visit the previous year, during which they made donations in support of students, and commended the association for returning once again to contribute to the advancement and positive image of the institution.
The Converge 2.0 therefore provided another platform for UNIZIK alumni to reconnect, celebrate achievements, honour outstanding individuals and renew their commitment to the growth and development of their alma mater.
