On Saturday 17 October 2026, the Holiday Inn Stevenage hosted the 10th Anniversary and 3rd Annual Conference of the University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association UK (UNAA-UK) Foundation. The Gala and Fundraising Event brought together distinguished guests from Nigeria and across the UK for an evening of celebration and purpose.
The programme opened with a welcome address by Monica Allison, President of UNAA-UK. The night was graced by Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, and Professor Adegboyega Adebayo Karim, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The Mayor and Mayoress of Stevenage, Councillor Lloyd Briscoe and Sarah Pattison, also attended.
With the Vice Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor, University of Nigeria
With the Mayor and Mayoress of Stevenage
Other dignitaries included past presidents of the Association, the UNAA-UK Board of Directors, and keynote speaker Chidi Umeano, Principal Consultant at CODUB Group. Kede Aihie, Chairman of Nigeria Magazine, and Esosa Aihie, Editor and Managing Partner, were also present.
There was a rendition of the universityโs anthem.
The founding members, past presidents and executive members were recognised with awards for their contribution to the development and success of the Association and Foundation.
Founding members, past presidents and executive members were recognised with awards.
Impact in numbers.
This academic year, the Association donated โฆ22 million in scholarships to 57 students. Funds raised on the night will support further projects, including a lab for the university library.
Key projects and activities
Disability Support Initiative (DSI)
Reverse Brain Drain (RBD) Project
International collaborations, including a working project to establish a Leather Training Centre at UNN and a Leather Development Centre in Aba, Abia State
University of Nottingham partnership: donation of scientific equipment and books to UNN’s Department of Biochemistry, plus joint teaching, research and student exchanges (working project)
Scholarships, grants and educational resources
Internships and mentorship programmes.
Looking ahead
The Foundation’s strategic directions include expanding collaborations with UK institutions, increasing support for students with disabilities, scaling up reverse brain drain efforts, strengthening the supply of resources, and widening outreach and fundraising.
The evening closed on a high note, with guests dancing to music by DJ Omo White. It was a fitting celebration of a decade of alumni giving back.
Guests celebrate at the gala
