News commentary:                                                      

Alumni Relations as a Tool for University Development

The financial backbone of renowned universities across the globe is not tied to government’s subventions alone, nor does it depend solely on internally generated revenue, but draws its strength from contributions and donations from its alumni, who see it as an obligation to give back a bit of what the institution had contributed to their success. The knowledge that good alumni relations is a product of how well a university relates with its students, has made it imperative for Universities to develop students-oriented activities that promote indelible favourable image of the institution in the minds of its students. 

It is therefore not surprising that those world famous universities place premium interest in ensuring that their alumni stay glued to activities in their universities irrespective of their geographical residence. They understand that broad alumni participation helps establish a culture of philanthropy that is vital to the success and sustainability of their institutions. They also realise that there is   strength in numbers, as a community is only as strong as the people who support it.

 It is however regrettable that alumni relations and engagements in most Nigerian higher institutions are still treated as stand -alone activities divorced from any form of fund raising to boost revenues of tertiary institutions   in the country. What are obtainable in Nigeria are alumni associations which are entirely independent of their parent institutions with no significant contributions to their development. Expectedly, poor alumni relations have denied many schools in the country the opportunity of diversifying their revenue bases. Instead, what is prevalent is acute dependence on government subvention. 

 
However, it is assuring to know that the current administration of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bartho Okolo, has put mechanisms in place to improve the revenue source of the University by harnessing the resources of the Institution’s enterprising alumni spread in different parts of the world.   The administration has engaged the services of an alumni relations expert to help mobilise and meaningfully engage the University’s alumni to be part of the Institution’s development activities aimed at the actualisation of its transformation agenda. 

Today, the alumni relations unit of the University of Nigeria has grown from its traditional role of issuing alumni identity card and clearance, to a more comprehensive role of developing, coordinating and promoting programs for alumni to keep them connected and involved with the University of Nigeria as well as maintain link with one another. According to the Head of the Alumni Relations Unit, Chioma Onyenwe, the unit is currently building an alumni communication data base, which will be launched in October, 2013 to mark the 50th anniversary of alumni activities in the University.   The data base will house the names and contact addresses of alumni of the University of Nigeria from 1963 to date. The unit has also perfected plans to develop an alumni relations website to make it easier for the University’s alumni across the world to access up-to-date information on alumni activities in the university.

With the understanding that good alumni relations begin with good students’ relations, the University administration has equally taken practical steps to develop students-oriented program which will trigger off nostalgic feeling when they leave the University.  For instance, the administration is putting final touches to students’ multi-activity complex, which has en suit; students’ cafeteria, students’ union offices, and other facilities that would enhance students’ welfare.  Also, world class sporting facilities, such as: tennis courts, handball pitches, swimming pools, hockey fields, among others, have been constructed to promote student’s extra-curricular activities. 

It is needless to gainsay the fact that improved alumni relations will offer mutual benefit to both the University of Nigeria and its alumni. To the alumni, it will provide them with opportunities to reconnect with fellow alumni and the University’s faculty and staff, irrespective of their geographical locations. Maintaining this type of connections with classmate and school mates enhances the individual’s network, which would be useful and beneficial in time of need.  It will also afford alumni opportunities to give back and to contribute to the development of the alumni network and to support the University. This contribution need not be large amount of money; it could be in kind or small amount given over a period of time. 

Similarly, alumni are the most loyal and generous supporters the University can rely upon in times of fundraising. They are great role models for current students and are often well placed to offer practical support to students as they start their careers. Besides serving as international ambassadors of the university, alumni are often in the position to engage the expertise of the Institution in their professional lives by offering peer to peer recommendations.

Therefore, it is expected that staff, students and alumni of the University of Nigeria should understand their roles in development and growth of the Institution. Students should see themselves as potential representatives and financiers of the university and should support current effort to preserve the future. Also, it is important for the university staff to understand that students are their primary customers who deserve fair treatment and undivided attention. Staff should volunteer their time to guide and mentor students to achieve their goals, bearing in mind that the student will develop to an important personality in whom the University will be well pleased to receive. The distinguished alumni of the university should equally not forget that it is their social responsibility to give back to the University that had contributed to the success of their careers.

Lions and Lionesses, be part of the current effort to restore the dignity of man by giving your widow’s mite today.

Inya, Agha E.

Mrs  Shadamoro Ogechi Ndidi Information Communication Technology Unit Office of the Vice Chancellor University of Nigeria, Nsukka email:         ogechi.shadamoro@unn.edu.ng                    Phone:       08066580163

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Chief Systems Analyst/Project Manager

SAP Business Analyst/ Project Coordinator

Treasury Analyst -Benefit Advisor/Project coordinator

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CURRENT RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS:

. Mole, A.J.C. & Dim, C. L. (2013). Recreating agricultural information services for the rural 

communities: challenges for the rural public libraries. Accepted for publication in the 

Journal of Applied Information Science and Technology (January 21, 2013)

. Mole, A.J.C. & Dim, C. L. (2012). Promoting family planning among Nigerian families 

through public library information services. Accepted for publication in the 

Journal of Home Research Economics. 

. Mole, A.J.C. & Dim, C. L. (2012). Strategies for promoting the use of public library 

information services for agricultural and rural development. Accepted for publication    

            in the Journal of Home Research Economics. 

. Mole, A.J.C. & Dim, C. L. (2012). Public library information services as veritable tools for national transformation in Nigeria. International Journal of Educational Research. 11(1), 173 -179

. Mole, A.J.C. & Dim, C. L. (2011).Repositioning public library information services for good governance in Nigeria. Journal of Good Governance in Africa. 2(1), 329 - 342

. Mole, A.J.C. (2010). Rethinking teacher quality at the Universal Basic Education level: A case for information literacy skills for teachers. International Journal of Educational Research. 11(2), 115 - 123

. Mole, A.J.C. & Dim, C. L. (2010). Repositioning entrepreneurship and retirement education: The strategic place of library information services. International Journal of Educational Research. 10(2), 87 - 95

. Mole, A.J.C. & Dim, C. L. (2010). Employing Agricultural Research to Promote Agricultural and Rural Development for Family Survival and Stability. Journal of Home Research Economics. 12, 218-227

. Mole, A. J. C. (2011). Optimising e-learning opportunities for effective educational service delivery in Nigeria: Challenges facing library and information Professionals(LIPs). In: N. Onyegegbu & U. Eze (eds). Optimising e-learning opportunities for effective educational service delivery. Pp.375 – 386

. Mole, A.J.C., Dim, C. L. & Ezeji, E. C. (2010). Vision 20-20: 20 and Information Literacy vision: A roadmap for effective teacher preparation in Nigeria: In: N. Onyegegbu & U. Eze (eds). Teacher preparation and the vision 20-20:20 in Nigeria. Pp. 226-235.

. Mole, A. J. C. & Dim,C.L. (2010). Meeting the challenges of governance at the grassroot through public libraries information services. In: E.J. Otagburuagu, I.E. Ibenekwu & I.E. Iwundu (eds.).Governance at the grassroots. Pp. 85-94.

. Mole, A.J.C. (2010). Social science literature. In: F.C. Ekere (ed.). Literature of major subject areas: A book of readings. Pp.22-86.

. Ezeji, E.C. & Mole, A.J.C. (2010). Extent of use of computer services for research by students. Proceedings of the UNN 2nd professional summit on Information Science and Technology held at Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, UNN. 

RESEARCH ARCHIVE (SELECTED PREVIOUS PUBLICATIONS)

. Mole, A.J.C. (2009). Emerging ICT competencies in Library and information services: Implications for LIS education for knowledge societies. Global Review of Library and Information Science 5, 88-101. 

. Mole, A.J.C. & Ezeji, E. C. (2009). Repositioning Teaching and Learning in Rural Societies: The critical role of Public Libraries. Nigerian Journal of Sociology of Education. 3(3), 286-292.

. Mole, A.J.C. and Dim, C. L. (2008). The place of Libraries in Managing and Sustaining Retirement without Tears. Journal of Educational Foundations  5(2), 176-179. 

. Mole, A.J.C. and Ugwu. F. (2008). Reexamining the scope and structure of the  social sciences from the librarians’ perspective. Global Review of Library and Information Science 4, 23-39. 

. Mole, A.J.C. (2008). Harnessing the potentials of IT in updating information services for education in the information age. In: Education in the information age : Global challenges and enhancement strategies; Proceedings of the 1st International Conference of Faculty of Education, UNN. Vol. 2. Pp.66-71.

. Mole, A.J.C. (2007). Making the UBE effective in Nigeria: The role of library education. Journal of Education for Professional Growth 3(1), 235-242.

. Mole, A.J.C. (2007). Recreating the Provision and Use of Government Publications in 

            Academic Libraries. Nigerian Library Link 5(1), 48-54. 

. Mole, A.J.C. (2006). The Challenges of ICT in Reference Services in University Libraries. Global Review of Library and Information Science 1(2), 45-55. 

. Mole, A.J.C. (2004). Improving Access to Information in Reference Materials through Information Technology: The Vital Role of Librarians. Nigerian Library Link  2(2), 11-21.

GSP 202: ISSUES IN PEACE STUDIES AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION, EXAMINATION HOLDS AS FOLLOWS:


DATE: WEDNESDAY 17 JULY, 2013

TIME: 10 AM – 12 NOON

VENUE: AS INDICATED IN THE NEW EXAMINATION ROSTER


Kingsley Udegbunam (Unit Webmaster)
For:  Ag Coordinator

TO:  The University Community

77th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Nigeria: Scheduling and Invitation to Attend

The 77th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Nigeria will hold on Thursday, July 25, 2013, at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium & Unity Hall, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Campus at 1.00 p.m.

The Lecture titled, “Fixed Point Theory and Applications: Contributions from behind Closed Doors” will be delivered by Professor Micah Okwuchukwu Osilike, of the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Physical Sciences.

All staff, students and other members of the University Community, as well as stakeholders and the general public are cordially invited.


Gabriel C. Ndu
Communication Secretary to the Vice-Chancellor

French Government Honours UNN Don

French government, Wednesday, decorated a Professor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Paul Modum, with a French national award of Palmes Academique (Order of Academic Palms), for his dedication to promoting French Language and culture.

The award, which is the first of its kind to a Nigerian Professor, was conferred on Prof. Modum by the   Consul-General of France, His Excellency, Francois Sastourne  at the Princess Alexandra Unity Hall and theatre, UNN

Speaking at the event, the Consul-General said the French government was pleased to honour Prof. Modum because of his unrelenting promotion of the study of French language in Nigeria. “Generations of students studied under you, many occupy very important positions in life today, you contributed to their growth by exposing them to have contact with French and French Literature. It is important and we are impressed by this effort.

“You have also opened the doors of sophisticated world culture, which in other words could be called the francophone world, to hundreds of young people, who by this opportunity are now well informed. For this singular act, we say thank you Paul Modum,” he said.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Modum expressed happiness for being recognised by the French government, and noted that his decision to study French Language in 1962, was born out of his love for languages not because he had no alternatives. He recalled how he turned down an offer to study law at the University of Lagos but opted to study languages at the University of Ibadan.

He urged the French Government to revitalize the scholarship given to French students to study one year in France or other francophone countries, that enabled them gain exposure and have contact with French speaking people and their ways of thinking.

He thanked the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria; Prof. Bartho Okolo for enhancing the academic and aesthetic standard of the University, a development he said had impacted positively on the academic and social well-being of staff and students of the Institution.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof. Bartho Okolo had expressed his pleasure to the French Government for the conferment of the prestigious award on a faculty member of the University.  He said that the award was a reflection of the value of excellence which the University of Nigeria was reputed for.

“In my opinion, the award is truly well-deserved, because Prof. Modum has been on the staff of the University for over three decades during which he has taught many students and contributed significantly to the development of teaching and learning of French language and literature.

“This award does not only celebrate this bright, hardworking and passionate scholar, Prof. Modum, but also our University, which provided the platform on which he achieved this feat. 

"Today’s award is gladdening because it serves to remind us of the value of excellence for which our university is known. It also shows that we can achieve excellence in our various disciplines despite the not-so-ideal conditions under which we operate,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed the readiness of the University of Nigeria to collaborate with French Universities to enable French nationals teach French Language in the Institution. 

Palmes Academique award is an Order of Chivalry of France for academics,   cultural and educational figures. It was originally a decoration founded by Emperor Napoléon to honour distinguished members of the University of Paris. It was changed into its current form as an order on 4 October 1955 by President René Coty. Since then, French Government has used the award to honour individuals who had made significant contribution to the promotion of French Language and culture.
    
Inya, Agha E.

Night of glee at UNN with Francois Sastourne

When the Consul-General of France in Nigeria, His Excellency, Francois Sastourne and his team left Lagos for the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he had no idea of what to expect since it was his first visit to the Nigerian premier University. His mission was to confer his country’s national award, Palmes Academique (Order of Academic Palms), on Prof. Paul Modum, a University of Nigeria don who had earned the respect of French government because of his doggedness in the promotion of French Language and culture. Little did the consulate chief know that the visit would leave an evocative memory that would make him look forward to a second missionary journey to the University. 

As expected, the decoration of Prof Modum with the Palmes Academique medal was without hitches, with a good number of academic and political heavy weights in attendance, including the former Vice-President of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ekwueme, former governor of old Anambra State, Admiral Alison Madueke, representative of GOC of 82 Division of Nigerian army, Colonel Aminu Audu, former Chairman of Union Bank, Elder Kalu U. Kalu, still counting.

But beyond the award razzmatazz was an exquisite show of hospitality in a dinner peculiar to the current administration of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The host was the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof. Bartho Okolo and his wife, Bar Nwanneka Okolo.

The atmosphere of the evening,  the chatting and bantering among  the principal officers of the University of Nigeria, Deans of Faculty, Heads of Unit, Directors of Institute and Centre, reflected the camaraderie that exist among the policy makers of the Institution.  

Then Vice-Chancellor started, “distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this evening is not for long speeches but to show the Consul-General, His Excellency Francois Sastourne, a bit of our hospitality, to tell him we are happy for the recognition and honour his government gave to one of us. That award of excellence is a reflection of what best we do here. We are a legacy Institution with a unique ambience.  Many universities in our country look up to this Institution as a role model. That is why many of our staff are often called up to help develop new generation universities and offer our mentorship to the older ones.   It is therefore my pleasure to invite our chief guest to lead the ladies and other guests to the table while we join later”.

Surprised but obviously happy for the role, the Consul-General took the lead to the banquet table followed by the ladies and then the gentlemen. Just as the clicking and clattering of glasses and cutleries was going on, the Consul-General took the microphone and said; “it is a fortunate chance that I am here today, I am deeply impressed by this visit, lots of constructions are going on here, I saw a number of dedicated people. I think we will try our best to enhance our cooperation with the University of Nigeria, but we have to invent a new way for it. I am committed to developing this partnership and make it have contact with France. I will come here again”.

When the applause his speech elicited died down, the former Governor of Old Anambra State, Admiral Allison Madueke cleared his voice and said; “it is an honour to be back to a University that gave me an honorary doctorate degree few years ago. To the glory of God, the Vice-Chancellor is a dynamo, if you come here tomorrow, something will be new. We are glad for his achievement. I am also happy for my friend Prof. Modum for bringing this honour not only for himself but for the University of Nigeria.”

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Malachy Okwueze, in his usual sarcastic way, thanked the Consul-General for coming in person to present the award; he remarked that if he had the opportunity to be in Prof. Modum’s French class, he would not have encountered the communication barrier he experienced when he travelled to France.  

Of course, the Former Chairman of Union Bank, Elder Kalu U. Kalu did not only express his elderly observations but also offered his prayers for the University. “It has been said that this is the most unusual institution in Nigeria. The ambience here is unique, where people cooperate, unlike in other institutions that are at daggers drawn with their management. It is now clear that the growth of this university is everybody’s business. They should be a proper documentation of the development strides of this administration, not for self glorification, but for people to see that change is possible under a visionary leadership. May God continue to sustain this University,” he said.

The awardee, Prof. Modum who had been enjoying not only the food but also the compliments, thanked the Vice-Chancellor and his wife for hosting the dinner. He dedicated the award he had received earlier in the day,   to his French graduates, the University of Nigeria, and his Family. “I am grateful to God, to my French graduates, my family and the University of Nigeria for their contributions in making today’s event possible. Words cannot really express my deep feelings, but I think   I feel proud, I feel humbled to be reorganised by a foreign   government.”

  Inya, Agha E.    
   

UNN holds Black Tie Dinner for Asuzu

 The atmosphere was convivial as policy makers of the University of Nigeria gathered at Princess Alexandra Unity Hall and Theatre, to celebrate a Black Tie Dinner in honour of Prof. Isaac Asuzu, who was recently appointed the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti. Until his appointment, Prof. Asuzu was serving his second tenure as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Speaking at the dinner, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof. Bartho Okolo described Prof. Asuzu as a dedicated academic and an astute administrator who had contributed to the development of the UNN.

“As you all know, today’s dinner is being held in honour of one of our very best – a fine academic and a pleasant administrator. I am referring to no less a person than our immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), who had to leave to assume a higher position as Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Professor Isaac Uzoma Asuzu,

“It is, therefore, a happy and an emotional evening for all of us. It is a happy day because we are all happy for him that the Federal Government of Nigeria has found him worthy of such an appointment, and emotional in the sense that we already miss him, his experience and his unique attributes which endeared him to all those who had the opportunity to interact or work closely with him. 

“Today, Professor Asuzu is not only a two-term Deputy Vice-Chancellor but he is also a Vice-Chancellor. The story of Professor Asuzu’s rise is a perfect demonstration of the saying that, 'a gold fish has no hiding place' and that 'authority derives from the Almighty God'. I am sure we can see the inherent lessons in how he got his priorities right and in his eventual, but guaranteed rise to the top of his career.

“I can tell you that Professor Asuzu did an amazing job as our DVC (Academic) for the past four years. I often wonder what a great university we would have here if we all went about our duties like Professor Asuzu. He gave everything to ensure that the job was done and done properly. He was dedicated, principled and upright. For this reason, we all owe a debt of gratitude to him and his beloved wife, Chinwe, for her unflinching support,” he said.

Prof. Okolo challenged other staff of the University to emulate good virtues of Prof. Asuzu, and prayed God to grant him (Prof. Asuzu) more grace to accomplish greater feats in his new appointment.

In his response, Prof. Asuzu said that he was overwhelmed by the level of honour accorded him by Prof. Okolo and his other colleagues at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, stating that he enjoyed his stint as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) in UNN because of the team spirit that existed among the principal officers.

“As an alumnus of this University, I grew up here, I must say that I have never witnessed the type of Infrastructure development going on under the current administration of the University of Nigeria. I pray that God will continue to strengthen you, what you are doing is for our good and the good of our children.

“I will be sixty this year, what we are doing this evening is like celebrating my birthday. I appreciate you all, what you have done, I will not forget,” he said.

 
Prof. Asuzu, who was accompanied by the Principal Officers of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, urged people to be dedicated to their duties in order to attract God’s favour that would take them to the peak of their careers.

Prof. Asuzu joined the services of the University of Nigeria in 1981 as Lecturer II; he rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology in 1992. He served as a two time Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) from 2009 to  March 2013 before he was appointed to succeed Prof. Chinedu Nebo as the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Oye-Ekiti.

Inya, Agha E.     

Courses Taught

1.    LIS 104: Introduction to Library Resources and Services
2.    LIS 234: Information Users
3.    LIS 331: Introduction to Information Science
4.    LIS 431: Reference & Information Services in Libraries
5.    LIS 425: Literature of Humanities & Social Sciences
6.    LIS 445:  School Libraries & Media Resource Centers
7.    LIS 402: Contemporary Technologies in Libraries
8.    LIS 412: Indexing and Abstracting
9.    LIS 490: Project
10.    LIS 444: Interlibrary Cooperation and Information Networks
11.    LIS 351: Research Methods