Authorities of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) have reached out to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for support towards the establishment of its Endowment Fund.
The Alumni Association of the premier institution plans to collaborate with the University to establish an Endowment Fund for research and support lecturers in mitigating brain drain in the country.
Among the stakeholders expected to support the launch of the Endowment Fund, scheduled for December 2 this year, are the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abass, and the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
The chairman of the University of Nigeria Alumni National Organising Committee for the Founder’s Day, Hon. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, explained that this year marks the 64th Founder’s Day, adding that the committee’s primary objective is to build the Founders Tower.
He disclosed that the proposed tower will house a Grand Research Institute, a 5,000-seat amphitheatre, an Alumni Secretariat, and a Conference Arena.
He explained that the Founders Tower will also feature a Hall of Fame to recognise the University’s exceptional alumni across various fields.
To achieve this, he said the committee aims to raise N5 billion and complete the project within 48 months.
Onuakalusi noted that the main essence of the Founder’s Day is to celebrate the founding fathers of their alma mater in the establishment of UNN, modelled after Michigan University, USA.
According to him, UNN was envisioned as an exclusive launch pad for educational excellence and to restore the dignity of man, particularly the black race.
The origin of UNN’s motto, “To Restore the Dignity of Man,” has its roots in the 15th-century philosopher Count Giovanni Pico della Mirandola’s renowned oration, De Dignitate Hominis (“On the Dignity of Man”), delivered in 1486.
The National Organising Committee will comprise seven sub-committees, including Infrastructure and Works (ESV Ben Okoronkwo), Finance (ESV Mike Ezechukwu), Media and Publicity (Prof. Charles Nwekeaku), Legal (Mr. Monday Ubani SAN), Administrative (Barr. Juliet Ukoha), Welfare & Logistics (Barr. Chioma Okeke), Contact and Mobilization (Chief Osita Chidoka), and Security (ESV AIG Ben Igweh), along with Dr. Ben Onwudinjo and Lady Stella Maduka (Vice Chairman).
The University of Nigeria, established by Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and others, was modelled after Michigan University, USA. Its founding principles focus on restoring human dignity, particularly for the black race, through education and knowledge.