Why I Instituted Award For Best Graduating Student In UNN – Obasi

In a bid to give back to the institution that shaped his academic and professional journey, Comrade Uche Obasi has established the Comrade Uche Obasi Award for the Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). This award, introduced to recognize academic excellence and moral integrity, was presented for the first time during the university’s 52nd convocation ceremonies.

Comrade Uche Obasi, former President of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Abuja branch, and current National Vice President, North-Central Zone of the association, expressed his intentions during a recent conversation. Obasi, an alumnus of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, emphasized the importance of reciprocating the university’s impact on his life and encouraging current students to excel both academically and morally.

"The degree of UNN is given in character and learning," Obasi noted. "We charge the recipient to live up to the mantra of the UNN, which is to ‘Restore the Dignity of Man’ through whatever she’s doing. Apart from the monetary value attached to the award, this scheme will also avail her and future recipients with any viable assistance to advance their future endeavors."

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The first recipient of the award, Jennifer Chinonyelum Ogugua from the Department of Microbiology, received her prize during the award night on May 9th, preceding the convocation held from May 10th to 11th, 2024. The event saw attendance from the university’s management, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Charles Igwe, graduating students, and other award donors.

Jennifer expressed her gratitude and determination to leverage the recognition for greater good. “In time to come, Comrade Uche Obasi Prize Award recipients will grow in numbers and form a fellowship of world-renowned brains that will touch lives,” she said. Her mother, Obiageli Ogugua, praised the initiative and called on the university to continue fostering individuals like Obasi who are committed to giving back.

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Dr. Doris Okoro, National President of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, lauded Obasi’s initiative, stating, “The alumni members have been challenged and more members will copy the good footsteps set by Obasi.” This sentiment underscores a growing culture of philanthropy and alumni engagement within the university community.

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The Comrade Uche Obasi Award is more than just a recognition; it is a beacon of inspiration, aiming to motivate students to strive for excellence and uphold the values instilled by the University of Nigeria. It also represents a bridge between past and present students, fostering a legacy of academic and moral excellence.

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