By Olivia Obijiaku
Members of Igbo Students Association, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria had their end of the year celebration in September, 2024. The event which took place inside the Assembly Hall of the university also witnessed the inauguration of the new student Igwe, Mazi Ofoje Uchechukwu Christian and the new Onowu, Mazi Ugwu Kelvin Chukwujekwu.
In his opening address, the Patron of the group, Prof Ken Okoli, of the Department of Fine Arts, reminded the students of the need to remain law abiding and to ensure that they graduate with flying colours. He explained that the New Yam Festival was meant to be celebrated on such a day, but excused that they cannot do so before the Ezeigbo Zaria, Igwe V.I Unogu. He also informed them that the traditional ruler, Igwe Unogu could not crown the new Ezeigbo Student due to some cogent reasons, assuring them that, “Afterwards, we shall take the new Ezeigbo to his place for him and his Cabinet members to crown him. Enjoy the celebration but please, do not leave your brethren behind. The unity we preach is, ‘do not leave others behind. God bless our people, St Jude Igbo Catholic Youth CKCC for coming to be with us.’
“Remember your reason for being here.” The patron reminded them. Make sure you leave here with your certificate. I keep talking about examination malpractice. Anyone who studies one hour daily, at the beginning of the semester and two hours daily at the middle of the semester will have sixty percent as their least score. I boast about it because I played a lot as a student, but this was my pattern and I graduated as the best student in my department. It is not as if I was very intelligent but I took my studies seriously. There is no how you will not answer four out of six questions if you attend lectures and read. But if you press phones in your room during lectures, be read for the consequences.”
“Since it was decided that Igbo students start a group for all Igbo speaking students in, all Igbo speaking states ABU, I and Prof Mike Duru of Department of Economics were asked to look after them. I know that you will work with the advice you are given. We are here to train you. We are not here to spoil you. Igbos are known for being respectful. You ought to respect your superiors. Tell others the importance of attending our functions. Let us not wait till it gets bad before we start looking for one another. We are humble people. It is with humility that God blesses us with wisdom. We are known for wisdom but we are also humble.”
“I was not born in Igbo land. I only attended secondary school in Igbo land but I love being with our people. That is why, since 2003, I have been the Patron of Anambra students. It is not as if I have nothing else to do or that I get paid for it, but that is how I love our people. I thought that our people who are born in the North like me will be joyed to identify with their people. Then for those who came from the East for the first time, coming to study in the North, I thought that they will look for their people as soon as they get here. Even smokers look out for fellow smokers once they go to a new place. Then how about an Igbo person like you, known for their wisdom? Is it until you get into trouble, then you will start looking for help?” Prof Okoli commended the postgraduate students who attended the function, expressing dissatisfaction towards undergraduates who fail to attend Igbo functions. “I am not happy about it but if I remember that this is my ministry – to look after people’s children, I relax.” He summed.
On her part, the Patroness, Prof (Mrs.) Eugenia Akpa of the Department of Sociology of the university observed that there are many Igbo students in ABU, lamenting poor attendance to functions. He charged those present to invite Igbo students in their departments, faculties, church and other associations in the university to join the group. Prof Akpa charged them to do their part well as seek help when the need arises. Representing the postgraduate students at the occasion, Olivia Obijiaku discouraged the students from engaging in examination malpractice, so that among other reasons, they do not tarnish the image of Ndigbo nor invite their patron and patroness to intervene issues that are capable of affecting their reputation. She asserted that it is better to fail a course than be expelled as a result of examination malpractice.
In his farewell speech, the outgoing student leader, Igwe Christian Obinna Ezeh thanked God for seeing him and his team through their tenure. He thanked the patron and patroness and Igbo students for supporting them. He called on their successors to keep building and sustaining the association.
Awards of recognition were given to the patron, patroness leaders of the association, presidents of the Igbo speaking states and other deserving individuals. In addition, the Constitution of the association was launched at the event that also featured display of Adamma Masquerade, among others.
