By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD, mnipr
In a spirited push for unity and reconciliation within the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), the Worldwide President, Dr. Terrumun Hembaor Gajir, on Sunday, visited the Edo State Branch of the Association during its monthly meeting held at Prof. Ehimatalor Hall, Faculty of Education, University of Benin.
Dr. Gajir, who is on a nationwide peace and consolidation tour of UIAA Chapters and Branches, expressed deep admiration for the Edo Branch, describing it as a model of unity and quality membership. He noted the presence of eminent personalities at the meeting, including Emeritus Professors, serving scholars, senior professionals, and young alumni, all of whom he said are critical to the growth and strength of any alumni body.
“I’m impressed not only by the togetherness here but by the calibre of people I see—men and women who can speak truthfully, act maturely, and guide the younger ones,” Dr. Gajir said. “This is where some of our branches have gone astray—when people of wisdom and experience are absent from engagements, disorder thrives.”
Addressing the lingering crisis within the Association, Dr. Gajir lamented the rise of factions and court cases, which he said have been driven largely by misinformation and ineligible candidacies during elections.
“Some people are instituting court cases because their branches were not qualified to sponsor candidates, instead of retracing their steps to meet the constitutional requirements. We must not allow disunity to become our identity,” he said.
He reaffirmed the legality of the current UIAA Constitution, emphasizing that only the version stamped and registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is valid.
“If anyone sends you a constitution without a CAC stamp, discard it. The authentic document is legally recognized and should be accessible to all members. Please ensure every branch member has the soft copy,” he charged.
Dr. Gajir called on all branches to uphold transparency and merit when nominating candidates for positions at the worldwide level, urging them to scrutinize such nominees thoroughly.
“We cannot afford to project individuals who are unqualified. If we do, we set the Association up for endless internal disputes,” he warned. “UIAA is a beacon of excellence, the light that other alumni associations across Nigeria look up to. We must not allow confusion to dim that light.”
Responding to accusations against former UIAA leadership by some dissident members, Dr. Gajir distanced himself from any factional affiliations.
“I am not in any group. I became acting president through constitutional provision, not sentiment. Let’s not bring down the entire Association over personal grievances with individuals,” he cautioned.
Earlier in the meeting, Chairman of the Edo State Branch, Professor O.B. Osadolor, distanced the branch from a breakaway group claiming to represent the Benin Branch of UIAA. That there’s nothing like Benin branch or Benin Chapter in UIAA.
“The Edo State Branch is united and fully aligned with the leadership of Dr. Gajir,” Professor Osadolor declared, drawing a standing ovation from the distinguished audience, which included retired directors, captains of industry, and UI alumni from as far back as the 1970s.
The Edo meeting is the latest in Dr. Gajir’s ongoing reconciliation tour aimed at restoring harmony, legality, and progress within one of Nigeria’s most prominent alumni associations.
