Our attention has been drawn to a publication dated 9th October, 2021 by some individuals who claim to be members of the Alumni Association. In the said publication these individuals claim to have instituted a case against the leadership of the Association. While this is not a rejoinder, we feel the need to set the records straight rather than allow these persons misinform the general public and present the Association in bad light. Therefore, we present our position as follows:
1. Kogi State University Alumni Association remains a platform for graduates of the University within the Country and in the disaspora to network and contribute to the development of their alma mater. This precludes any use of the platform for personal gains and benefit.
2. That the Association is currently under the able leadership of Otunba James Irikita as National President and he has been enjoying overwhelming support from State Chapters accross the Country. We therefore wonder the source of grievance of these individuals.
3. That the former National President, Dr. M.K Ibrahim has succefully served out his tenure during which he contribed to repositioning the Association. We remember him for his courage, uprightness, resilience and hardwork. We are therefore not surprised at the speed with which he is transforming the College of Education, Ankpa. The Provost remains one of our shining stars and we are indeed proud of his achievements thus far. We wonder what the motives of these individuals are in mentioning and joining issues with Dr. M.K Ibrahim who has since bowed out.
4. The Association has internal mechanism for the appointment of its leaders and avenue for entertaining complains arising from that process. We wonder why these individuals would seek legal redress without exhausting those avenues.
5. The overiding interest in the Alumni Association should be service and giving back. It is therefore expected that alumnus should be scouted and motivated to giveback. We however wonder why these group of persons have perpetuated themselves in the Association and are desperately out for it’s soul.
6. Finally, our advice to them is to cease from misinforming the public and take advantage of the internal mechanism of the Association for seeking redress. If however, they choose to reject this advice and opt for a legal solution, then they should allow the courts decide!
Signed by:
OTUNBA James Irikiti
National President,
Kogi State University Alumni Association