As part of efforts aimed at achieving the University’s vision of becoming a global centre of excellence in science and technology in promoting the socio-economic development of Africa, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has launched the Nigerian Chapters of its alumni association in Lagos and Port Harcourt.
The Lagos Chapter/family launch was held at the Ghana Consulate on Saturday 18th July, 2015. The event was highly patronised by alumni from far and near.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Air Vice Marshall Monday Riku Morgan, launching the association praised the Council and management of KNUST for their vision in opening their doors to the rest of Africa and the world at large in providing quality education in a serene environment. He further congratulated the University, the Alumni Association worldwide and especially those in Nigeria for the initiative of coming together as one family.
The university in appreciation of his contribution presented Air Vice Marshall Morgan with a plaque and other KNUST Souvenirs.
The event for Port Harcourt Chapter/Family was held at the Presidential Hotel on Sunday 19th July 2015.
Chairman of the University Council, Dr. Kwame Saarah-Mensah who was also Chairman for the occasion stressed the need for unity and the need to come together for networking and to share ideas, learn and to help other as alumni. He was hopeful that the launching of the Nigerian families would go a long way to strengthen the good relationship between Ghana and Nigeria.
Dr Saarah-Mensah charged the alumni to be worthy ambassadors saying “the input of what alumni do would take them higher in society and not their certificates.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Proffesor William Otoo Ellis, said the event marks a historic milestone in the life of the University and that of alumni in Nigeria as good ambassadors of the institution.
Professor Ellis revealed that the process of internationlisation of KNUST took centre stage in 2002 when the University embarked on recruiting students across Africa. He lauded the efforts of Mrs. Emilia Ekama Akpan, the Chief Executive Officer of Showers Christian Schools for her continuous support in this regard. The University in recognition of her efforts honoured her with a citation and a plaque.
Proffesor Otoo Ellis charged alumni to ensure the sustenance and growth of their chapters. He said that the Alumni association is open to all graduates of KNUST, institutions affiliated to KNUST, employees and retired staff of KNUST as well as family of alumni.
Hon. OCJ Okocha, the Special Guest of Honour was represented by his wife, Mrs. Efoma Okocha who launched the Port Harcourt family. In her speech, Mrs. Okocha stated that it takes willingness to initiate and maintain alumni associations and that such association are not just for meetings but to foster unity in the interest of the University for growth. It is also an opportunity for alumni and their family to contribute to the University.
Mrs. Okocha entreated alumni to remember that their alma mater has contributed significantly in shaping them for life. She continued that in the current competitive era, it is important for alumni to come together to forge ahead in their personal and in the development of their career for the betterment of society.
Mrs Okocha was full of praise for the world-class competitive education and good moral upbringing that the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Offers to all. She was proud that three of her children are products of KNUST and are doing extremely well in their careers.
She commended management for maintaining its tradition of excellence and attested that KNUST does not bend her rules and principles and does not mortgage its values.
Mrs. Okocha was presented with plaques in recognition of her support to the University.
In order to facilitate the work Alumni Association, interim executives were inducted into power. They are Ing. Jumoke Adegunle and Ing Ezika Obiora for the Lagos Family and Emenike O. Onunwor aka Moonlight, Igechi M. Worlu and Mrs. Olachi Ubochi (nee Udukwu) for the Port Harcourt Family.
Both functions were attended by Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Nii Odai, Finance Officer Yaw Nimo Baffour, Deputy Registrar University Relations, Vincent Ankamah-Lomotey, Alumni Officer and Paul Pinamang Adade.
Some executive members of the Alumni Association present were Eunice Akosua Amoako, President, Harriet Kingsley-Annan, Secretary, Dr. Sabina Anokye, Treasurer and the Immediate Past President, Tony Danklu.