Address by the Provost of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Ngozi Lemchi, at the Grand Finale of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations held at the Jubilee Hall on Thursday, 31st August, 2023
Protocol
I welcome everyone here to this momentous occasion—the Grand Finale of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of our dear College and alma mater, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri. It is truly an honour to stand before you today as we reflect on our remarkable journey and celebrate six decades of excellence in education, innovation, and service to our nation.
As we gather here looking back with nostalgia and reminiscing on fond memories, I am reminded of the words of Albert Einstein: “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” Today, we not only commemorate the past sixty years but also look ahead with renewed determination to shape the next chapter of our beloved institution’s legacy.
It fills my heart with immense joy and happiness to see this assembly of bright minds, dedicated educators, visionary leaders, and compassionate souls. Our celebration this week is a testament to the enduring spirit that binds us—the spirit of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education. We stand united as torchbearers of education, enlightenment, and empowerment.
As we honour our past, I find myself humbled by the incredible journey that the institution has undertaken. From our inception in 1963 as the Advanced Teachers’ Training College, to becoming a beacon of teacher education and innovation, we have navigated challenges, embraced change, and consistently pushed the boundaries of excellence. Today, we proudly offer not only the National Certificate in Education (NCE) but also the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in affiliation with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as well as the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) in partnership with the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
The journey of the past sixty years has been marked by transformation, growth, and the pursuit of knowledge. Our institution has produced countless teachers, scholars, businessmen, clergy, administrators, leaders, and change-makers who continue to impact lives both locally and globally. People like Professor (Mrs.) Victoria Nwigwe, the first female student of this College; Bishop Ngozi Durueke, Preacher and Bishop; Professor Cyril Chigozie Asiabaka, accomplished Academic and former Vice Chancellor of FUTO; Dame Comfort Obi, journalist par-excellence and publisher, to name just four.
Today, as we look around, we see the faces of our dedicated staff, our passionate students, our esteemed alumni, and our supportive parents. Each one of you has contributed to shaping the vibrant tapestry of Alvan. Our success story is not merely defined by infrastructure or statistics, but by the lives we touch, the ideas we nurture, and the dreams we inspire. This Jubilee is a testimony to the fact that education is the cornerstone of societal progress, and we, the Alvan community, take immense pride in our role as custodians of this noble mission.
I stand before you as a representative of this institution, a torchbearer of its legacy, and a servant of its mission. When I assumed the position of Provost in July 2022, I pledged to reposition and re-strengthen our College. Through collaborative efforts, dedication, and resilience, we have embarked on a journey to restore Alvan as the primus inter pares, a Center of Excellence in teaching, learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community service. The past year has been transformative, witnessing remarkable changes and achievements that resonate with our shared commitment to progress.
We have expanded infrastructure, elevated service delivery, and rejuvenated the spirit of research and development within our academic community. We have also improved the morale of staff and students, engaged with the college community and our host communities and restored the confidence of all those connected with the College. The restoration of our university status stands as a testament to our dedication to growth and advancement. This milestone is a collective achievement, made possible by the synergy between our administration and the government of Imo State.
But let me clearly underline the remarkable efforts of our dear Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON (Onwa Oyoko) in achieving this milestone. His unwavering commitment and political sagacity have not only restored our university status but also laid the foundation for a promising future. To express our gratitude for his efforts in restoring our university status, we shall honour His Excellency with the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education Diamond Award, a tribute to his support and dedication.
Beyond the university status, Governor Hope Uzodimma has shown remarkable interest in the progress of our College, for which we continue to be grateful. His Excellency has strongly supported us in the recovery of College lands forcefully taken away by past governments and private individuals. Last year, His Excellency set up a joint committee of the Imo State Government and the College Governing Council for the recovery of all College lands and the integration of retired staff into the Imo State pension scheme. The report of the committee headed by Professor Vitalis Ajumbe was recently presented to His Excellency who has promised to study it and implement. The College community was also excited and honoured when Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, in his characteristic love for the College, nominated one of us, Mrs. Chinyere Ekomaru as his running mate in the gubernatorial election later in the year. For all these and more to come, the Alvan community profusely thank our indefatigable Governor and wish him well.
Today, as we celebrate our Diamond Jubilee, let us remember that the true essence of education lies in shaping minds, nurturing talents, and building character. We are not just imparting knowledge; we are fostering the leaders, thinkers, and change-makers of tomorrow. Our responsibility extends beyond the confines of our classrooms; it reaches into the heart of our society.
As we move forward, let us continue to embrace innovation, research, and collaboration. Let us amplify our efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry – the old dynamic between town and gown which our predecessors spoke so much about. Let us nurture a culture of lifelong learning and encourage our students to be global citizens who contribute positively to society.
To our students, I say, your journey at Alvan is more than just obtaining a degree or certificate —it is about discovering your passion, honing your skills, and becoming agents of positive change. As you step into the world, remember that you carry the legacy of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education with you. Strive for excellence, remain resilient in the face of challenges, and let your actions reflect the values we have instilled in you. Values that have stood the test of time these past sixty years.
In closing, I wish to tell us to celebrate the past with gratitude, embrace the present with enthusiasm, and march towards the future with unwavering determination. As we continue our journey, let us be guided by the words of Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Thank you all for your unyielding support, for believing in our mission, and for being an integral part of the Alvan story. Together, we shall continue to shine brightly, illuminating the path of knowledge and enlightenment.
Long Live Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education!
Long Live Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education!
Long Live Imo State!
Long Live Nigeria!
Thank you.
Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Ngozi Lemchi
Provost