The Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, will be marking its Diamond Jubilee between 29th and 31st August 2023. The activities will mark a significant milestone in the 60-year existence of the institution. With a legacy spanning six decades of excellence in teacher education and development, the College is commemorating this monumental achievement with a series of dynamic and engaging events.
The Jubilee festivities are billed to begin on Tuesday, August 29th, 2023, with an electrifying football match to be held at the Pavilion, pitting the male staff soccer team against the students male team. The match is expected to bring together enthusiastic supporters from both sides, thereby promising to ignite an atmosphere of camaraderie and spirited competition.
The following day is scheduled to witness the College community coming together for an Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service at the aptly renamed Jubilee Event Centre. The service is billed to be a sombre expression of gratitude and appreciation to God for guiding the institution’s remarkable journey over the past sixty years.
Following the spiritual activity, the atmosphere is billed to be transformed into one of youthful vitality as students, staff, and alumni embark on a procession and carnival, parading throughout the College premises. The vibrant and colourful parade will meander along the College roads before culminating at the Pavilion. Here, the Provost, Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Lemchi, will be expected to extend her warm reception to the jubilant crowd for embodying the dynamism and vibrancy that the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education is renowned for.
The afternoon will bring about diverse exhibitions, showcasing an array of products, artefacts, and handcrafted works from various departments and units of the College.
The pinnacle of the Jubilee festivities will be unfolded on Thursday, August 31st, 2023, with the Grand Finale of the Diamond Jubilee Ceremony to be held at the Jubilee Event Centre. This day promises to be adorned with intellectual discourse and distinguished recognition.
At 11:00 am, the esteemed Professor of Environmental Biology and former Provost of the College, Professor Blessing C. Ijioma, will deliver the Diamond Jubilee Lecture. In this lecture, Professor Ijioma is expected to activate a reflection on the institution’s six decades of academic leadership, portraying it as the “primus inter pares” – first among equals.
The zenith of the Jubilee celebrations will be the conferment of the prestigious Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Diamond Award on His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State. This recognition is to profoundly acknowledge his exceptional contributions to the growth and development of the College, particularly his pivotal role in its elevation to a University.
A rich documentary highlighting the impactful first year in office of Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Lemchi, the 13th substantive and second female Provost of the College, will also be screened. Dr. Lemchi, who assumed office in July 2022, is expected to utilise this auspicious occasion of the anniversary celebration to provide a comprehensive report of her stewardship over the past year.
The Jubilee activities will be brought to a symbolic conclusion with a tree-planting ceremony across various campuses of the College. This event symbolises the institution’s commitment not only to education but also to nurturing a sustainable and promising future.
As the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri steps into its Diamond Age, it is with an air of pride, purpose, and deep appreciation for its six decades of nurturing minds and shaping futures. The Jubilee celebration is planned, not only to bear witness to the institution’s illustrious legacy, but also to be an inspiring journey of a more productive future ahead.