The Acting Rector of Auchi Polytechnic, Mr Abubakar Al-Hassan, says a robust Alumni Association can contribute significantly to industrial and educational revolutions of an institution.
Al-Hassan, who chaired the Auchi Polytechnic Alumni Association (APAA), Abuja Chapter’s Inaugural Annual Lecture/Award, made this known on Saturday in Abuja.
According to him, Alumni Associations contribute to an institution’s synergy, links and development.
“It is a buffer, a protagonist and the epicenter that energise the destiny of an institution.
“It is the the numero uno of all times,” he said.
The Rector said that Auchi Polytechnic, in recent times, has gone into capacity building, human and capital infrastructure, more scientific innovations, as it’s on the verge of transformation from first class polytechnic to a city University of Science and Technology.
In his lecture, titled “National Security – Role of Nigerian Academics,” Prof Monday Omoregie of the University of Benin, stressed the need to strengthen academic and security collaboration.
Omoregie said that this can be done by engaging experts from academic institutions to make inputs into the activities that make up national security, in such a way that relevant stakeholders will be properly directed towards the common goal of attaining a society that is amenable for positive development.
Earlier, President of APAA, Abuja Chapter, Mr Sanni Onogu, said the topic of the lecture is aimed at generating and contributing ideas and strategies that would help the three tiers of government solve the current security challenges in the country.
Onogu said that the lecture and award ceremony are to help showcase Auchi Polytechnic as a citadel choice for those who desired qualitative education.
He said that the event was also to afford graduates of Auchi Polytechnic from all spheres of life across the country the platform to gather and exchange ideas.
“This will enable us come up with new and inclusive ways we can contribute to the development of our Alma Mater.
“Besides, we are also here to recognise and reward Alumni members as well as other eminent Nigerians that have distinguished themselves in their various life endeavours,” he said.