A total of 19 first-class graduates of the Continuous Education Programme (CEP), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State have been honoured by the Alumni body.
The Alumni also awarded former governorship candidate in the State, Valentine Ozigbo; CEO of Olite Manufacturing Companies, Mr. John Nwabueze and Chief Chinedu Umeadi with humanitarian service awards.
The UNIZIK Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone; Traditional Ruler of Akwaeze kingdom, Igwe Christopher Okpala and his Umueri counterpart, Igwe Benneth Emeka; Prof. Patrick Ekwunife and Dr. Chinedu Umeadi were also among the award recipients.
Also awarded were High Chief Jombosco Onunkwo, Chief John Chiadizu, Chief Dr Egbuna Okechi, Chief Polycap Onwuka, Mr Nwogu Desmond and Onyebuchi Anizobanwota and Chief Jude Akpua, member representing Njikoka II constituency in the State House of Assembly.
Speaking at the event tagged, “UNIZIK CEP Alumni Homecoming and Award Presentation” held at the ASUU Secretariat of the institution, Director, CEP, UNIZIK, Prof. Ngozi Agu said the awardees were recognized for their diligence and outstanding academic performances.
She explained that the reunion was targeted at celebrating CEP graduates who distinguished themselves in academic engagements during their studentship in the programme.
“This special event creates an avenue to relish the presence and reunion of the CEP Alumni who have made remarkable contributions to their fields and communities.
“The ceremony also offers us opportunity to celebrate CEP graduates who distinguished themselves in academic engagements during their studentship in the programme,” she added.
Receiving his award, Ozigbo identified good governance and Continuous Improvement as two principles critical to changing Nigeria’s present situation.
He said, “Good governance, as a principle, is at the peak of everything Nigeria needs to do. Another is the principle of continuous improvement. Our society cannot progress without adhering to these principles.
“Besides, a well-educated and trained workforce is needed for economic productivity and the reduction of social inequality, hence the need for more support and attention to programmes such as the CEP in the country.”
Umueri kingdom monarch, Benneth Emeka, said the place of education in the growth and development of society can never be overemphasized.
He said the CEP program has bridged the gap and provided an opportunity for people who have no sponsor at the early stage of life to gain a university education and certificate.
The monarch, a beneficiary of the programme, encouraged business owners, artisans, and the like at various locations to leverage the opportunity and acquire sound learning for their personal growth and advancement.
Chairman of the occasion and CEO of Olite Manufacturing Companies, John Nwabueze, said the programme has closed the gap of minorities, adding that everyone now has an equal opportunity of getting certified in their chosen field.
Earlier, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone said CEP has taken a strategic position in providing learning opportunities for the public.
Esimone, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu urged the public to key into the quality programmes of the institution, noting that the university has provided opportunity for learning in diverse fields to meet the needs of the society.
