The Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Alumni Association has renewed its commitment to advancing infrastructure development, mentorship and public policy advocacy as part of efforts to strengthen the institution and contribute meaningfully to national growth.
The pledge was made during the 2025 annual gathering of the AAU Alumni Association, FCT Branch.
Chairperson of the occasion and AAU alumna, Dr Mojisola-Mimi Abu, underscored the importance of deliberate alumni-driven interventions that extend beyond social bonding to tangible institutional and national impact.
According to Abu, the association’s mandate goes far beyond nostalgia, stressing that members are actively involved in supporting the university, mentoring young graduates and working collectively to improve their welfare.
“We have a structured way of intervention, both in infrastructure and other things, and in issues that affect the alumni and the university.
“We come together and plan and take a decision and ensure that it is seen to implementation and everything works out perfectly.
“The association is there to ensure that we mentor, we guard and we guide the alumni and the university,” she said.
She identified the establishment of an alumni housing estate as one of the association’s flagship projects.
Also speaking, the immediate past Chairman of the association, Dr Abraham Isibor, emphasised the strategic importance of alumni bodies in sustaining their alma mater, particularly amid persistent funding and infrastructure deficits in Nigerian universities.
”As soon as you pass through university, there is every tendency that whatever you become in life, it is that university that gave you the platform
“It is that university that made you to acquire a functional education to be able to function in the society.
“You discover that most of the universities are struggling in terms of development, inadequate funds. So the alumni association has a lot of ways to assist,” he said.
Isibor added that contemporary political leaders could draw valuable lessons from the legacy of the late Prof. Ambrose Alli, noting his selfless leadership and people-centred governance.
In his remarks, Chairman of the AAU Alumni Association, FCT Branch, Dr Peter Orobo, said promoting unity among graduates across different generations remained a central focus of the association.
Orobo explained that mentorship continues to be a cornerstone of the group’s activities, with experienced professionals guiding younger alumni through platforms such as its annual lecture series.
He added that the association partners with government institutions and professionals through public lectures, civic education and outreach initiatives aimed at tackling challenges including crime, youth restiveness and other social vices.
Orobo also noted that the association is involved in humanitarian outreach, including the distribution of food items to vulnerable individuals during festive periods.
While commending the Edo State Government for recent investments in AAU, particularly hostel development, Orobo called for sustained and expanded commitment to education.
On his part, Chief Premier Bello of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), FCT Chapter, described the event as a tribute to education and visionary leadership.
“We are here to honour those who built great institutions and to remind ourselves of our responsibilities.
“Education is the foundation for nation-building, and governments at all levels must prioritise it,” he said.
