By Magnus Aluma, Abakaliki
The Association of Pioneer Students of Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Abakaliki, Southeast, Nigeria, yesterday came together to celebrate the year 2025 reunion of the body.
NewsBits reports that the reunion, which took place at Monablis Hotel in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital, was a gathering of the class of 1999/2000, the first set of students who actually commenced full operation of academic activities in the university.
In an address on the occasion, the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, urged members of the union to continue to sustain the tempo of peace and the unity that has brought them together, as they strive to contribute their quota towards the development of their alma mater.
Governor Nwifuru, who was represented on the occasion by the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Donatus Ilang, commended the pioneer set of students of the university, for producing distinguished personalities, adding that “these individuals are currently making significant contributions to national development.”
According to him, “the EBSU 1999/2000 Pioneer Set has demonstrated a great deal of resilience and determination, and their achievements are a testament to their hard work and dedication.” The Governor pledged the continued support of his administration for the set, to enhance the development of the university.
NewsBits recalls that upon its establishment in 1998 as Ebonyi State University College, this set of pioneer students were saddled with challenges of inadequate availability of basic amenities, including even transportation, which compelled a good number of the students to transfer to other universities.
However, some of pioneer lecturers of the institution, including Prof. Ifeyinwa Nsude, Prof. Ama Aka-Udeh, and Dr. L.C. Okafor who were present at the event, recalled that in the face of the enormous challenges, the set persevered and graduated with outstanding results.
Prominent among members of the pioneer set of students who were present at the event were; Prof. Leonard Uguru, Dr. Wealth Udoh, and Dr. Chuks Oshim.
The National Deputy Coordinator of the group, Dr. Edith Anyanwu urged their members to prioritize their health, engage in networking, and support one another, pointing out that the reunion also focuses on fighting poverty among their members.
Dr. Anyanwu commended members of the group for their contributions to the success of the program. The event featured a thanksgiving mass, road work, lectures, and visit to a motherless babies home.
