By steve anyebe.
The exquisite and serene ambience of the University of Mkar, Mkar, Benue State, is wearing a newer look as preparations reach high gear to host the Conference of Alumni Associations of Nigerian Universities (CAANU). On Saturday 26th August 2023, members of Alumni Associations of different Universities across Nigeria will hold their 3rd Quarter Delegates Conference in the University of Mkar, near Gboko in Benue State to once again critique the current state of tertiary education with a view to proffering strategies for a better future. During the Conference, as has become customary since 2020, some notable personalities will be bestowed with Awards of Excellence.
The Mkar Conference, with the theme *ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS IN YOUNG UNIVERSITIES: THEIR CHALLENGES, ASPIRATIONS AND PROSPECTS* will be under the chairmanship of Prof. Isaac Itodo, the Vice Chancellor, Joseph Saruwan Tarka University, Makurdi. The Guest Speaker is Prof. Terhemba Wuan of the Kaduna State University.
In an exclusive chat with Mustardpoint Media, the Chairman of CAANU, Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, said that the history of CAANU and its activities dates back to 14th March 1987, when the executives of different Alumni Associations from various Universities in Nigeria gathered at the University of Benin to discuss how to address emerging challenges of the Nigerian Universities. Since then, according to Prof. Ochefu, who is also the Secretary General of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, CAANU has continued to serve as the umbrella body of all Alumni Associations of all Nigerian Universities, organising quarterly Delegates Conferences to constantly deliberate on the state of the Nigerian University system, its challenges and prospects.
CAANU, as an organisation duly recognised by the Nigerian Government, has an elected National Executive Committee with a four year tenure. The present EXCO has, among others, Prof. Yakubu Aboki Ochefu as Chairman while the Secretary is Malam Usman Isah Ya’u. The main objectives of the Conference include, to provide alternative sources of funding for Nigerian Universities; ensure that funds meant for the Universities are maximally and judiciously utilised; to provide a forum for the joint consideration of common matters, strategies and actions affecting Nigerian Universities; to provide a forum for individual Alumni Associations to learn from each other; to serve as a forum through which CAANU can assist member Alumni Associations; to provide a common platform for interaction with Federal and State Governments and Proprietors of Private Universities on matters affecting University education in Nigeria; to promote the general well-being of the Nigerian graduate through seminars, workshops, conferences and such matters as employment and funding of University education; to encourage and help in the setting up of Alumni Associations in Nigerian Universities; as well as to be involved in the reorientation of Nigerian undergraduates, the alumni of tomorrow.
Since 2020 CAANU has bestowed on some notable Nigerians Awards of Excellence. They include Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, former Minster Adamu Adamu, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Senator Tanko Almakura, Senator Godiya Akwashiki, former Governor Nasir El Rufai, former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Dame Pauline Tallen, Senator Uba Sani, Prof Abubakar Rasheed, Brig Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim, Governor Seyi Makinde, HRM Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin (Orangun of Oke-Ila Orangun), Prof. O.A. Baniro (10th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan), Mr Tein T.S. Jack Rich, Dr Ayibakuro Matthew, Dr Nimbofa Ayawei, High Chief (Dr) O.B. Lulu-Briggs, and Senator Barau Jibirin.
Those to be honoured with the Awards at Mkar are Gen. Atom Kpera (Rtd.), Chief Godwin Odumu Obla, SAN, Prof. Nancy Agbe (pioneer Vice Chancellor of University of Mkar), as well as Prof. Isaac Itodo (Vice- Chancellor of Joseph Saruwan Tarka University, Makurdi).
It promises to be a meeting of old pals, some of whom have not seen themselves in years. The euphoria of going to Mkar would eventually turn to nostalgia as many delegates would try to reenact the good old days of campus life. Even as there will surely be hilarious moments when old friendship is rekindled and backs are patted during embraces signifying love, there will also be moments of bowed heads as dead ones are remembered. Such is the dualism of life!
One very unique thing about the Mkar 2023 3rd Quarter Delegates Conference is the fact that University of Mkar happens to be the first faith-based Institution to play host to CAANU in its over thirty years of existence.
