Ebonyi State University (EBSU) in southeastern Nigeria has announced plans to hold its first-ever Alumni Lecture Series on 10 July, aimed at fostering stronger ties between the university and its former students.
Dr Paul Okorie, a distinguished alumnus and former state commissioner, told reporters that the new initiative could serve as a catalyst for greater alumni participation in the university’s development. He stressed the potential for such events to inspire philanthropic efforts, including scholarships, building projects, and mentoring programmes.
“Across the world, alumni give back generously to their institutions. This lecture series should help encourage our alumni to reflect on how they can support the university that helped shape them,” said Okorie.
The event, spearheaded by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities and led by Professor Nkechi Emma-Echiegu, is intended to be more than a one-off affair. Organisers hope it becomes a flagship annual gathering that both celebrates alumni achievements and drives progress within the university community.
Dr Eugene Otu, a senior academic in the Department of Political Science, emphasised the integral role alumni associations play in university life. “The alumni association is vital. In our own case, it built the hospital on our permanent site. We’ve made substantial progress since the university’s founding in 1999,” he said.
The highlight of the lecture series will be the keynote address by Dr Chima Anyaso, a successful businessman and philanthropist who studied English at EBSU. Now the CEO of the Caades Group, Anyaso has built a multi-sector enterprise encompassing real estate, oil and gas, hospitality, and healthcare.
His talk, themed “From Classroom to Boardroom: The Power of Education in Shaping Destiny,” will trace his journey from a university student to one of Nigeria’s leading entrepreneurs. Organisers believe his life story will resonate with students and inspire them to pursue their goals with dedication.
Beyond business, Anyaso has contributed to educational development through the Ahuoma Anyaso Education Foundation and the Chima Anyaso Foundation, both of which support young Nigerians through scholarships and entrepreneurial training.
The lecture will serve not only as a celebration of alumni achievements but also as a platform for dialogue between past and present members of the university community.
