Alumni networks critical to sustaining universities–Financial expert

August 23, 2025 by Our Reporter

Executive Director, Chief Operations and Information Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Sir Stanley Amuchie, has made a strong case for alumni associations as crucial partners in driving growth and sustainability in Nigeria’s education sector.

 Delivering his keynote address at the 2025 National Convention of the Imo State University Alumni Association (IMSUAA), held  in Owerri, Amuchie noted that the gap between what students need today and what many Nigerian universities currently provide has widened, largely due to global technological transformation.

He emphasized that alumni networks hold the power to bridge this gap by complementing the government’s efforts in funding, research, and institutional development.

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“Global universities thrive on strong alumni networks. For instance, more than 30,000 college alumni donate to Harvard University each year, supporting everything from financial aid to research facilities. Harvard’s annual giving programme demonstrates how consistent small contributions create massive impact, even when 56% of donors give less than $500.”

 The President of Goodlight Foundation also cited Princeton University’s record, highlighting that the institution had the highest average alumni giving rate for the 2022–2023 academic year at 46.6%, compared to a global average of just 7.7%. He stressed that Nigerian universities could follow similar paths if alumni show commitment, coordination, and consistency.