The Imo State University Alumni Association (IMSUAA) is set to hold its 2026 National Convention in Enugu, with between 400 and 500 delegates expected from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
The association disclosed this during a world press conference in Enugu on Saturday, August 8, 2026, ahead of the convention, which will feature networking, social activities, visits to tourist attractions and the convention proper.
Speaking at the briefing, the National Deputy President of IMSU Alumni Association, Onyekachi Oha, said the association remained committed to giving back to its alma mater, building networks and supporting members.
“My heart desire for this convention is to be a fruitful one. It’s a gathering of stars for us to come back and discuss the way forward for our alma mater, discuss the way forward for our individual well-being, try to see how we can carry everybody along, try to see how we can network and build bridges,” Oha said.
He disclosed that no fewer than 400 delegates, including prominent alumni serving in government and other sectors, were expected to attend.
“We’re expecting nothing less than 400 people, delegates all across the world to attend this national convention. It’s a convention that brings a lot of them in the Federal House, senators, House of Representatives, governors, wives of governors and the rest of them all over the globe,” he added.
Enugu Chapter Promises Memorable Convention
Also speaking, the Chairman of IMSUAA Enugu Chapter, Comr. Gerald Chiemeka Ikwuneme said the Chapter was proud to host the convention and had made adequate preparations for delegates.
“It’s a wonderful programme. We are delighted to have the opportunity to be the ones who host. It’s something we are proud of,” Ikwuneme said.
He attributed the choice of Enugu partly to the chapter’s reputation for cooperation and its “uniqueness” within the alumni association.
“They see the willingness in Enugu. They see the cooperation. We are known as a unique chapter. IMSU Alumni, when they want to address us, we are called unique,” he said.
Ikwuneme assured delegates of adequate security, hospitality and opportunities to experience Enugu’s attractions and cuisine, adding that the event would also mark the chapter’s 10th anniversary.
“My assurance is that they will enjoy Enugu delicacies. They will see what the governor has been able to do. They will also enjoy the environment. They’re safe in Enugu. Security, everything is well organised,” he said.
LOC: Enugu Ready for 400–500 Delegates
The Local Organising Committee Chairman, Ndubuisi Asogwa, said Enugu was fully prepared to host the convention, with activities scheduled to commence on Thursday, August 13.
“Enugu 042 is ready to host the national convention, global convention, in 2026. We are prepared from this Thursday, which is the 13th, with a meet and greet,” Asogwa said.
He said delegates would be received at Bon Platinum on Thursday, followed by a workout session, visits to tourist attractions and engagements with notable personalities on Friday, August 14.
“We are expecting about 400 people to be here. We are planning about 400 to 500,” he said.
Asogwa disclosed that the association had already conducted its election online, adding that the convention would be followed by an Annual General Meeting where issues concerning the growth, development, welfare and future direction of the Association would be deliberated upon, alongside the consideration of key resolutions aimed at strengthening the Association and enhancing its impact on members and society.
Ekwerike Urges Alumni to Give Back
The patron of the IMSU Alumni Enugu Chapter and member of the Board, Mr. Anozie Ekwerike, said the organisers were preparing for a robust convention that would bring together members of the association’s global network.
“We are expecting a robust convention. We had a convention here the first time in Enugu 10 years ago. So we are promising our members, our global members,” Ekwerike said.
He urged members, particularly younger graduates, to participate actively in the association and embrace its tradition of giving back to the university.
“Our key this year now is giving back to our alma mater. And to our members, especially the new generation, telling them, showcasing ourselves, advertising this brand of alumni that they should come in and participate actively,” he said.
Ekwerike also highlighted the association’s annual medical outreach programmes, noting that the initiative had taken its interventions to communities, including Idodo in Nkanu East Local Government Area.
“We have medical outreach almost every year here in Enugu. Last year we went to Idodo in Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state. So every year we choose a particular community that we go and do that health outreach. So we have been giving back,” he added.
From FCT Initiative to Global Alumni Network
The Imo State University Alumni Association was formally established in 2002 following efforts by graduates in Abuja to create a structured platform for alumni engagement. The FCT Chapter became the pioneering chapter, with the motion for its establishment moved by the late Mr. Ononuju Onunkwo and seconded by Pastor George Eke, while Mr. Vitus Ukwuoma served as pioneer coordinator.
Under Prince Chinedu Obi, the first elected Chairman of the FCT Chapter and Acting National President, consultations were held with graduates across Nigeria, leading to the development of the association’s constitution, governance structure, membership system and Board of Trustees.
The association subsequently expanded to Imo, Lagos, Rivers, Plateau, Enugu and Bayelsa states, as well as North America and Europe. In December 2010, the Board of Trustees reconstituted the Imo State Chapter Steering Committee and convened the first National Executive Council meeting, after which Barrister Chinwe Mbakwem emerged as the first substantive National President.
Since then, successive administrations led by Barrister Chinwe Mbakwem, Hon. Abba Chimaraoke; High Chief Chris Anyanwu Enyioha PhD; Prince Ferdinand Akano; Mr. Anozie Ekwerike in an acting capacity, Chief (Barr.) Okey Ozumba and the incumbent president is Dr. Charles Nwosu (Porpor) have focused on alumni welfare, support for the university and expansion of the association’s national and international presence.
