Rivers State University Alumni Association (RSUAA), Rivers State branch, has marked the 2018 edition of the family day celebration with award ceremony and lecture presentation with the theme, “Revamp Education in the 21st Century; The Role of Alumni Associations”.
The programme which kick- started with a church thanksgiving service held at the First Baptist Church, Aggrey Road, Port Harcourt attracted both members of the association and the Rivers State University (RSU) host community and others.
In her paper presentation during the award ceremony, Prof. Edith Chisa Chuku lamented the poor funding of public schools, adding that most of the elites being celebrated went to public schools.
Prof Chuku tasked members of RSU Alumni to invest hugely in the state university through support and donations as well as embark on some key projects that would accelerate development in the university.
She urged members of the association to embark on assessment visit to the institution so as to see the roles they could offer, adding that she was proud to be a member of the alumni.
“Giving academic advice to the students of your department is very important,” the Prof said.
In his opening remarks, the chairman of the event, Eze Temple Ejekwu called on the alumni members who occupy government positions and companies to assist the university by bringing development projects into the institution, noting that the university had played major roles in their human development.
Also speaking, the National President of the association, Amb. Israel Egbunefu encouraged members of the association to be part of development in their alma mater and congratulated the state branch for the successful end of year event.
Earlier, the Rivers State Chairman of RSU Alumni Association, Amb. (Mrs) Orusoso Isokariari disclosed that the family day celebration had become an annual event as well as a special forum for alumni families to have social interaction, which offers them an opportunity to inculcate the alumni’s spirit and awareness to the graduating students of the institution.
Amb Isokariari explained that the association had provided a water project at the NDDC Hostel in the campus that has 2,500 litres capacity built on four geepee tanks.The event also featured award presentation to some, distinguised members of the public. Responding on behalf of the awardees, the Ex- RSU Alumni Association branch Chairman, Dame (Hon) Beatrice O. Awala thanked the state chairman of the association and the organisation for the awards , adding that the awards were for the interest of the association.
Other recipients include General Manager, RSNC, Mr Vincent Ake, Dean , Students’ Affairs, RSU, Prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi, HRH, Eze Temple N. Ejekwu, Head of Service of Rivers State, Rufus Nkereawaji Godwins, Esq, Hon George-Kelly Dakorinma Alabo, Cyril Amaewule and Sir Dagogo Roderick Abere.