By Amaechi Agbo

Enugu – The class of 1991 graduates of Mass Communication in the then Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH) now Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) recently held a reunion 34 years after leaving the four walls of the university.

A reunion of men and women of no mean repute, the gathering which held at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel, saw many of the 1991 class gathered to brainstorm on their alma matter and the need to support the department which made them whom they have become in life.

The event which could be described as a class act, saw the very accomplished classmates engage in activities that sought to reconnect and bond with one another, and also primarily sought to make meaningful contributions to its Alma Mater, to improve the learning standards of the students.

First was a moment of reminiscence as the members took time out to express their feelings on their studentship, what they passed through, the good, the bad and the ugly sides of the their years in ESUT. They recalled with nostalgia their days in the department, the lecturers that made impact on their lives such as Dr Chidi Ozoh, Dr Ezenweze Onyisi and the late Prof Edeani.

They had a robust discussion on how to take the department to greater heights. Their concern and interest in the department still very deep and palpable given the wide range of penetrating questions they asked about the department.

In his welcome address, the chairman of the day, Ozo Silas thanked the members for finding time to honour the invitation. He said, on a lighter mood, that even if the gathering achieved nothing, the fact that some persons who had not meant for more than three decades have been able to see themselves once again, makes the reunion memorable.

He noted that while the reunion was the first, subsequent meetings would be held particularly through their WhatsApp platform where they are already brainstorming on their plans and activities.

On his part, the Head of Mass Communication Department, Barr Dr Chidiebere Ezinwa, expressed delight over the reunion and described the gesture as unique and encouraged the members to sustain the tempo.

“I am overwhelmed by emotions being in your midst to hear your stories of how you passed through the department more than 34 years ago. You have gathered here ostensibly not to meet for the fun of it but because you have the passion and the zeal to ask after your alma mater.

“Thirty-four years after leaving the department, you gathered here to think about how to support the department that trained all of us. On behalf the board, staff and students, I want to sincerely thank you for this gesture and pray that after once, we should be hearing about further meetings and interactions. The Department belongs to all of us and by helping to build and sustain it, we are also preparing and repositioning the future of our own children and wards. Thank you, and God bless you all,” Dr Ezinwa said.

In his response, the chairman of the meeting, Ozo Silas requested the HOD to furnish them with a formal list of the various challenges and needs of the department so that the group could see how they could come in to assist. They promised to visit the department to explore areas of partnership and collaboration soon

The Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTECH), later renamed the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), was founded on July 30, 1980. It was established by law and became the first indigenous University of Technology in Nigeria.

The Department of Mass Communication was established in July, 1985 with the vision to produce competent and highly qualified graduates that will excel in the practice of communication and journalism. It produced her first graduates in 1988.

More Pictures from the Reunion