Alumni and Development
Nigerian alumni to help next generation
Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:37:00 GMT
Recent and prospective graduates from the University of Portsmouth who live in Nigeria have a powerful new ally.
Former students of the university held their first alumni event in the country recently and, among other things, agreed to help the next generation of graduates find jobs.
T
he event was run by the university’s Alumni Association and International Office to mark the official opening of the Nigeria Chapter. It was followed by a professional networking session.
The main aim of setting up a Nigerian Chapter of the University of Portsmouth Alumni Association is to help foster more extended relationships between present and former Nigerian students and staff and others associated with the university through mentoring schemes, careers advice and professional networks.
The launch event also aimed to help continue and further establish friendships formed at university; encourage fellowship among all generations of Nigerian students; help recent Nigerian graduates find employment; and organise further social, educational and networking events in Nigeria. 
One of those who attended was Robert Obirieze, human resources generalist at Nigeria’s Zenith Bank. He studied for an MSc in International Human Resource Management and graduated in 2005. Robert said: “The University of Portsmouth alumni event was heart-warming and gave us an opportunity to meet and interact with fellow alumni. Most importantly, we deliberated on ways to sustain the alumni over time. I am convinced that the seed sown at the event will bear fruit that will last.”
The event, held at Best western Hotel in Lagos was attended by Tosin Adebisi, Assistant International Officer who was the master of ceremony.
He said: “Networking is key to opening up employment issues and a large number of our alumni in Nigeria have high-powered careers, putting them in a very good position to help recent graduates find work. Knowing that there are experts and professionals among the alumni gives them an edge and the group will serve as an avenue to share ideas and knowledge.”