By Ogemdi Ozoemenam

The Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof Owunari Abraham Georgewill has told Nigerian universities to empower their graduates with knowledge-based entrepreneurship to act as catalysts in the country's educational system and give value creation to Nigerian graduates.

He stated this while delivering the keynote address at the 114th National Executive Council (NEC) and 28th Biennial Convention of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA) held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Prof Georgewill noted that by studying the entrepreneurship journeys of alumni, educational leaders can identify the factors that contribute to enterprenuerial success, including mindset, skills, resources, and support networks.

According to him, institutions can cultivate intellectual entrepreneurship by fostering interdisciplinary education and collaboration across departments, faculties and fields of study.

On the part of alumni, Prof Georgewill stressed the need to create Alumni-led workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events that can provide current students with firsthand insights into the realities of entrepreneurship and inspire them to pursue innovative ventures.

"Alumni networks play a crucial role in facilitating global connections and opening doors to international opportunities for current students, ranging from study abroad programmes to career placements in multi national corporations.

"Alumni also integrate entrepreneurship education and mindset training into the curriculum at all levels of education, from primary school to higher education, to instill entrepreneurial values and skills from an early age.

"Mentorship and networking play a crucial role in nurturing intellectual entrepreneurship by providing guidance, support, and most importantly access to valuable resources and opportunities. Mentors serve as role models and advisors, offering insights, feedback, and encouragement to aspiring entrepreneurs.

"When these young students graduate, don't be interested in their registration fees into the alumni bit of be interested in mentoring them to achieve their full potentials in life after school.

"The pivotal role of the Alumni Association lies on their curriculum and it's teaching methodologies. When their beneficiaries are doing well, the curriculum and it's teaching methodologies is sound", so said the Guest Lecturer.

The Uniport Vice Chancellor tasked universities to harness her alumni as catalysts by implementing various initiatives and strategies aimed at engaging, leveraging and mobilizing their resources, expertise and networks through Alumni Mentorship Programs, Alumni Guest Lectures and Workshops and Alumni fundraising and philanthropy.

He further applauded the University of Nigeria for producing worthy lions and lionesses who have continued to contribute their quota to the development of the society both nationally and internationally, geared towards restoring the dignity of man.

At the event, some eminent alumni who have distinguished themselves in public service and love for both their alma mater and alumni association, were given public service awards and distinguished alumni awards.

Similarly, the twin brother of the Guest Lecturer and Justice of the Appeal Court, Justice Biobele Georgewill received the greatest award of the association ALOHA (Alumni Lion/Lioness of High Achievements). The recipient is also the Chairman BoT UNAA.

Other recipients of ALOHA award include the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof Charles Esimone (who sponsored the last National Convention held in Awka in April 2022 and delivered it's keynote address); his counterpart at Micheal Okpara University ot Agriculture Umudike, Prof Maduaebisi Ofoi Iwe; Senior Lecturer, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Prof Ngozi A. A Okereke and Bishop Eric Chuka Agwuegbo.

The Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof Charles Arinzechukwu Igwe was represented by the university's Senate Ceremonial Chairman, Prof Chuma Nwanguma at the event.

The event had in attendance delegates from 26 branches of the association across the federation in the presence of Life Patrons and Senior ALOHAs, Alabo Dr Gabriel Toby (Former Deputy Governor of Rivers State) and Chief Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (National President, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide).

Speaking to newsmen, one of the sponsors of this event and UNAA ICONs Chairman, Dr Okechukwu Ibeabuchi who recieved ALOHA award 20 years ago, said the presence of Vice Chancellors in the Alumni Association can help in galvanizing huge support capable of adding some weight towards increasing the membership of UNAA.

"We can use our contacts to reach out to alumni of high networks to give back to their alma mater and UNAA in particular."

The theme of the National Convention is "Educating for Productive Skills, Entrepreneurship and Global Competitiveness: Alumni as Catalysts."