Against the challenges facing tertiary education in Nigeria, the Vice-Chancellor of Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Professor Hilary O. Edeogu, has proffered ways in which Alumni Associations in the country could render assistance in the development of the nations’ universities.

Professor Edeoga made the observation last Saturday in his keynote address titled, “The Role of Alma Associations in the Development of their Almamater” delivered at the National Convention of University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association.

According to him, there is need for the administration of tertiary institutions to live above the phobia of possible clash of interesst to engender healthy management in higher institutions in the country.

Professor Edeoga also advocated the need for the Federal and State Ministries of Education to establish new interest organs and units that would be charged with the responsibilities of liaising with tertiary institutions in the country to raise the tone of Alumni activities across the country.

He said Alumni Associations could improve and sustain the good image and rating of their universities by developing a brand initiative capable of deepening the faith and pride and expectancy in students.

Other ways to curb challenges in tertiary institutions, according to him include, financial and diverse material support for physical and social infrastructural  development projects, endowment of professional chairs, mentoring of fresh Alumni and students, award of scholarships and prizes among others.

Enoch Epelle