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.