Former Minister of Information and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief John Nnia Nwodo (Ike Ukehe), has called on the alumni of the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, to embrace greater responsibility in nation building, insisting that Nigeria cannot progress if honest and competent people continue to avoid political leadership.
He made the call on Saturday, November 1, 2025, while delivering the keynote address at the 30th Anniversary Reunion of the Semper Fidelis Set ’94 Summit, held at the Andover Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu.
Speaking on the theme, “The Role of Alumni Associations in Educational Development and Nation Building,” Chief Nwodo commended the CIC Old Boys Association for what he described as “unmatched transformational work” in the institution, stating that no alumni body in Nigeria, not even at the university level has achieved such sweeping improvement within a short time.
“I cannot start this speech without congratulating this Alumni Association for the excellent work it has done in radically transforming the teaching, living, horticultural, and gaming facilities of CIC. No alumni association in Nigeria, not even a university alumni, has brought about this quality of transformational change within such a short time,” he said.
He praised the school’s new electronic teaching systems that provide real-time global connectivity, enabling CIC students to access international knowledge and innovations without leaving school premises.
“When you walk into CIC classrooms today, you see electronic teaching aids giving students real-time connectivity with the world. A child in CIC can now obtain, in real time, the latest advancements in knowledge without stepping outside the school gate,” he noted.
Chief Nwodo also hailed the school’s new Olympic-standard stadium, describing it as a facility unmatched by any secondary school in Nigeria. “The saying ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ no longer applies to CIC. Today, CIC has a world-class Olympic stadium not available to any other secondary school in Nigeria,” he said.
While commending the achievements so far, Chief Nwodo urged the Alumni Association to broaden its vision beyond CIC and adopt initiatives that would influence society more widely.
He outlined a series of strategic proposals:
1. Internationalizing the Perspective of CIC Teachers: He proposed that the Alumni Association sponsor teachers from countries with advanced teaching models — such as the UK, USA, and India — to work in CIC on sabbatical.
2. International Vacation Tours for CIC Students: Annual overseas academic trips to expose students to global best practices.
3. Annual Catholic Schools Sports Tournament: Using CIC’s stadium to pioneer an East-of-the-Niger sports championship among Catholic secondary schools.
4. Establishment of a CIC Radio Station: To promote student creativity in broadcasting, debates, music, drama, quizzes, and curriculum-based lectures.
5. Creation of a Comprehensive Database of CIC Students and Alumni: To track academic progress, career development, and opportunities for mentorship.
6. International Scholarship and Exam Preparation Support: He urged the Alumni to support students preparing for SAT, TOEFL, and A-Levels to secure global education opportunities.
7. A Data Bank for Job Placement Support for CIC Graduates: To assist old boys with internships, employment opportunities, and migration pathways.
8. Encouraging CIC Alumni to Participate in Politics: Chief Nwodo expressed concern that younger alumni are shying away from political engagement.
“I am disappointed that after a few of us have dared the political arena and risen significantly, the new generation of CIC old boys are avoiding politics. The more honest people avoid politics, the less progress we make. Politics is the only place where honest people can bring about quick and transformative change,” he said.
Beyond infrastructure and programmes, Chief Nwodo emphasized the need for personal discipline and cultural values among the alumni and students. Quoting a traditional saying, he told the audience: “Ndi nna fa na aza m ‘Sir’, i ga emecha zaa fa ‘Sir’. Those whose fathers courtesy to me, you will later courtesy to them.”
He explained that this was not about seniority, but about mindset — a call to seriousness, respect, and deliberate personal growth. “It is a statement meant to trigger seriousness, dedication, intentionality, and effort. To build a great nation, we must first build strong character,” he added.
Chief Nwodo stressed that alumni bodies play a critical role in shaping national development through: quality education support, mentorship, global exposure, policy advocacy and leadership grooming.
“Even if we turn CIC into the best school in the world, its impact on society will grow only if we strengthen the Alumni Association and broaden its reach,” he said.
He urged the association to remain relentless, reminding them that CIC represents only a small fraction of Nigeria’s school population — but one that can influence society if properly harnessed.
Chief Nwodo ended his address with gratitude and a renewed call to action. "My beloved old boys, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we have begun well. Let us continue to work together to build not just a great school, but a better nation,” he concluded.
