Writing By Salihu TSIBIRI; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) Alumni Association is set to unveil a 5 Billion naira project as part of activities lined up to mark the 64th Founders Day of the body in Abuja.
The Association has also inaugurated its National Organising Committee for the Founder’s Day celebration to be chaired by Mr. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi.
In his inaugural speech, the committee Chairman Mr. Onuakalusi, noted that the event was designed to celebrate the founding fathers of the first indigenous University of Nigeria, Nsukka, after Michigan University, in the USA.
Mr Onukalusi explained that the 64th Founder’s Day, marks the committee’s primary objective of building the Founders Tower, which will house a Grand Research Institute, a 5,000-seat amphitheater, an Alumni Secretariat, and Conference Arena.
He said the University of Nigeria, established by former Presiden Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and others, was envisioned as an exclusive launch pad for educational excellence and restore the dignity of man particularly the black man.
The Origin of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) motto, “To Restore the Dignity of Man,” has its roots in the 15th-century philosopher Count Giovanni Pico della Mirandola’s renowned oration, “De Dignitate Hominis” (“On the Dignity of Man”), delivered in 1486.
The Founders Tower will also feature a Hall of Fame to recognize the University’s exceptional alumni across various fields, as such the committee aims to raise N5 billion only and complete the project within 48 months.
The Alumni Association plans to collaborate with the University to establish an Endowment Fund for research and support lecturers to mitigate brain drain.
Key stakeholders, including the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Minister of Education, will be invited to support this initiative on December 4,2024
COV /TSIBIRI
