The Comrade Uche Obasi Award for the Best Graduating Student, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, was instituted to pay back to the institution that moulded the donor.
The award’s sponsor, Comrade Uche Obasi, stated this in a chat with THE WHISTLER at Nsukka on Friday. Obasi, one-time President of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Abuja branch, and currently the National Vice President, North-Central Zone of the association, said aside from reciprocating the gesture of the university, the award was to inspire students towards academic excellence and moral uprightness “since the degree of UNN is given in character and learning.”
He said the choice of the Faculty of Biological Sciences was because it was where he graduated, and commended the management of the university for maintaining excellence in students’ upbringing.
Obasi said, “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.”
Our correspondent reports that the award prize was redeemed for the first time at the 52nd convocation of UNN held between 10th and 11th May 2024 during the award night on 9th May. The event was witnessed by the management of the university, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Igwe; graduating students, as well as donors of other awards.
During the event, the National President of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Dr Doris Okoro, appreciated Obasi for the initiative.
According to her, “The alumni members have been challenged and more members will copy the good footsteps set by Obasi.”
The winner, Jennifer Chinonyelum Ogugua, of the Department of Microbiology, promised to use her recognition to light up paths for others.
In her words, “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.”
The mother of the recipient, Obiageli Ogugua, called on the university to do more to produce people like Obasi that would always return to the university to show gratitude.
