UNN VC Urges Alumni in US to Support University’s Development
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, UNN, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, has challenged alumni of the institution in the United States to mobilise their colleagues and channel their collective resources and expertise towards the sustainable development of their alma mater.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, UNN, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, has challenged alumni of the institution in the United States to mobilise their colleagues and channel their collective resources and expertise towards the sustainable development of their alma mater.
Prof. Ortuanya made the call in Chicago, United States, where he attended the 20th National Convention of the University of Nigeria Alumni and Friends Association USA, held from August 14 to 16, 2026.
The convention, which brought together alumni and friends of the university, featured a range of activities, including a keynote address by the Chief Operating Officer of New Jersey Urology, U.S. Urology Partners, Dr Chidebelu Ufordike, fireside chats, launching of scholarships for students of the University of Nigeria, business and networking sessions.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor said the university needed the collective commitment of its alumni to sustain its current development trajectory and its vision of becoming the best university in Africa.
He urged the United State alumni to use their platform to mobilise more graduates of the university into an active and purposeful alumni movement.
“We should ensure that everyone becomes part of this alumni movement. If we can achieve that, by 2030 we will already know the direction we are headed in our alumni movement,” he said.
Ortuanya challenged members to move beyond celebrating their individual achievements and ask what they could contribute to the development of the institution that provided the foundation for their careers.
“So the challenge to each and every one of us as alumni is: what can we do for the University of Nigeria?” he asked.
The Vice-Chancellor described the University of Nigeria as a reputable brand whose graduates have been making significant contributions across virtually every sector of society.
According to him, the institution has produced prominent professionals, including chief executives, pharmacists, lawyers, academics and medical doctors, among others.
“Anywhere you meet someone who is a Lion or a Lioness, there is always a sense of pride,” he said.
He noted that the large concentration of UNN alumni in the United States presented an opportunity to harness their expertise, networks and resources for the benefit of the university.
Prof. Ortuanya urged the alumni to view their relationship with the university as a long-term commitment rather than a one-off intervention.
“True legacy of the alumni should encompass past contributions, present actions, future aspirations and the sustainability of initiatives undertaken for the institution”, he said.
The Vice-Chancellor further stressed that the impact of alumni contributions should be measured not only by what they had already accomplished but also by what they could collectively achieve in the future.
The Vice-Chancellor's participation in the convention is part of his commitment to unite and deepen engagement with UNN alumni across the world and encourage them to play a more active role in the development and repositioning of the University.
The Vice-Chancellor attended the event with Prof. Ike Onyishi, a member of the University of Nigeria Governing Council and Director of the University of Nigeria Press Limited.
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