By Moses Ossai
Comrade Uche Obasi, the donor of the award for the Best Graduating Student of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, says the award is a payback to the institution that nurtured him to stardom.
Tagged “Comrade Uche Obasi Award for the Best Graduating Student”, the donor said it was also to inspire students of the faculty to aspire to greatness in line with the philosophy of UNN.
Obasi, one-time President of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Abuja branch, and currently the National Vice President, North-Central Zone of the association, spoke in Enugu on Friday in the aftermath of the maiden award giving ceremony which held on May 9th, 2024 during the 52nd convocation of UNN. The convocation held from 10th to 11th May, 2024.
He said the choice of the Faculty of Biological Sciences was because it was where he graduated. He commended the management of the university for maintaining excellence in students’ upbringing. The award was won by Jennifer Ogugua of Department of Microbiology.
Quoting Obasi, “We charge the recipient to live up to the mantra of the UNN, which is to “Restore the Dignity of Man” through whatever she’s doing. Apart from the monetary value attached to the award, this scheme will also avail her and future recipients with any viable assistance to advance their future endeavours.”
Our correspondent reports that the award prize was redeemed for the first time during the award night. It was witnessed by the management of the university, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Igwe; graduating students, as well as donors of other awards.
During the event, the National President of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Lady Doris Okoro, PhD, appreciated Obasi for the initiative. According to her, “The alumni members have been challenged and more members will copy the good footsteps set by Obasi.”
The winner, Jennifer Chinonyelum Ogugua, promised to use her recognition to light up paths for others. In her words, “In time to come, Comrade Uche Obasi Prize Award recipients will grow in numbers and form a fellowship of world renowned brains that will touch lives.”
The mother of the recipient, Obiageli Ogugua, called on the university to do more to produce people like Obasi that would always return to the university to show gratitude.
