By Abel JOHNGOLD
The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, has stated that Alumni is an index for measuring the maturity of a University.
He stated this today in Abraka, Nigeria, at 15th Convocation Ceremony program for DELSU Alumni Day, a day set aside for Alumni activities and admittance of fresh graduands in the DELSU Alumni Association.
Prof. Egwunyenga, who disclosed that the Alumni is the first support base of a University, noted that the more matured a University is the stronger that university and it use in rating it.
While saying that the Alumni represent the Chief marketer of the which can be the strategic source of raising funds for the University, the DELSU Vice Chancellor asserted that “the Alumni is the international ambassador of the University.
“the Alumni is the Chief image maker of the University. A University can be rated through the strength of the Alumni. And with the products out there, DELSU have come of age”.
He thanked the State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for his commitment in developing the school.
“I also want to use this opportunity to commend the DELSU Alumni Association for their various contributions towards the development of the School”. Prof. Egwunyenga added.
Earlier, the National President of DELSU Alumni Association, Mr. Igbuwe Joseph Omamuzuoh, noted that Alumni Associations all over the world have three cardinal objectives which are the projection of the good name as well as visibility of the University. Second, intervention in times of challenges facing the University and the third one, which is resources mobilization from members of the University alumni association and friends of the University to augment the budget of the University in respect of improving learning, teaching, research and development and community services.
He said the Alumni had set up an Alumni Endowment Fund to cater for the University needs in particular and indigent students in general in which donations have been made towards.
Disclosing the association’s plan to build a befitting Alumni Complex, Mr. Igbuwe revealed that his-led executive is currently in negotiations with Banks to engage in counterpart funding to build hostels for the teaming student population who continue to fall prey to some greedy host community landlords.
The Alumni Association appealed to the University management to look into the issue of delay in handling of transcripts. And review the University certificate collection rates.