Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has emphasized that it is wrong for alumni to achieve personal success without it benefiting the institutions that shaped and prepared them.

Speaking at the University of Uyo’s 2024 alumni reunion in Uyo, Governor Eno, represented by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, highlighted the critical role alumni play in the development of their alma mater after graduation.

He urged alumni, particularly those who are thriving, to contribute to addressing the institution’s key needs.

“We must move beyond the excitement of reunions and commit to giving back to the school that equipped us for the successful lives we lead today,” Governor Eno said. “It is a contradiction for alumni to progress individually while their alma mater is in decline.”

Earlier, Onofiok Luke, President of the University of Uyo Alumni Association, called on alumni to collaborate with the association’s leadership to tackle the institution’s pressing issues. He also pointed out that 33 years after the university’s establishment, it has not received its start-up grant, urging the Federal Government to release it promptly and enhance support for the university.

Luke also appealed to alumni to support initiatives such as establishing global exchange programs for students, completing ongoing projects, and partnering to develop secure infrastructure for electronic voting in upcoming elections.

The event’s guest speaker, Inam Wilson (SAN), who spoke on the topic “Drawing from the Gown to Influence the Town – The Missing Link,” called for stronger collaboration between academia and the broader community to foster excellence. He encouraged university Vice Chancellors to focus not only on securing increased government allocations but also on boosting their institutions’ internally generated revenue.