UK varsity alumni rally support for Nigeria’s devt

Graduates of the University of Leicester have mobilised their network to support Nigeria’s development agenda following the official launch of the institution’s Nigerian alumni chapter in Abuja.

The chapter, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission in January, was inaugurated at an Alumni and Stakeholders Reception in Abuja on Wednesday, bringing together graduates, partners, and key stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, the Director of the Future Students Office, Phil Dalby, said Nigerian alumni had continued to contribute significantly to the university’s legacy and were well-positioned to drive change back home.

“You enriched the life of the university when you were studying there, and you continue to do so after you graduated. You are citizens of change, and as such, you have gone on to excel in your professions, in business, in public service, and in your communities,” he said.

Dalby noted that the launch of the Nigerian chapter marked a renewed push to strengthen global alumni engagement while aligning efforts with national development priorities.

He added, “We are setting ourselves the ambitious target of reaching a £100 million campaign as we go into our second century,” urging Nigerian graduates to support the institution’s broader vision.

The official further highlighted the university’s heritage as one of only two institutions established as a living memorial after the First World War, stressing that its guiding principle continues to shape its global outlook.

Coordinator of the reception, Zainab Mai-Bornu, emphasised the role of alumni in sustaining the university’s global reputation and translating academic values into societal impact.

“Our alumni are very, very important to us at Leicester. Even after leaving, we remain in constant communication. We expect them to demonstrate the good things they took from Leicester back to wherever they are, to show how to be hardworking, dedicated, and honest citizens of change,” she said.

The event also featured testimonies from prominent Nigerian alumni, including the Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency, Mathew Adepoju, who linked his professional outlook to his time at the institution.

“Solving challenges is one of the reasons for coming back home. The ethics and standards we learned at Leicester made us stand out in our organisations,” he said, while encouraging younger graduates to remain resilient despite infrastructural constraints.

Similarly, a Commodore at the Naval Headquarters, Abdulhakeem Oyebode, said his academic experience provided a strong foundation for career advancement.

“Having a top-class degree from the University of Leicester actually opens doors, putting you in that position where you can excel,” he said.

A panel session at the event explored how alumni networks could be leveraged to drive both personal and national development.

Sunday PUNCH observed that the launch comes amid growing calls for diaspora professionals and institutional networks to play a more structured role in Nigeria’s development, particularly in areas such as education, innovation, and public service delivery.