Nigerian Alumni of University of Leeds Gather for Special Celebration
Leeds alumni connected in Abuja, Nigeria, at a fully booked reunion event.
The event gave attendees the opportunity to reconnect with friends, network with fellow Leeds graduates and celebrate shared memories.
“Staying in touch with your alumni association is a fantastic way to expand your professional network,” said event organiser Osarodion Judith Edosa (Law 2008). “The event was such fun and it allowed for both bonding and networking.”
Attendees came from across a wide range of professions and class dates – from 1976 to 2024 – creating the perfect environment for networking and ideas sharing. A panel discussion covered topics including the Nigerian economy and challenges faced by youth in the country.
As well as making new connections, old friends were reunited, as Dr Andrew Etsetowaghan (MPH 2013) explained: “I last saw Dr Martina Anababa 12 years ago at our small and lovely chaplain opposite the Parkinson steps. It was wonderful to see him again at the event.”
Thanks to the alumni volunteers
The event was co-ordinated by a team of alumni volunteers, whose hard work ensured attendees enjoyed an impactful and enjoyable event.
Organisers communicated key details to attendees through the Abuja alumni WhatsApp group, which now has over 140 members. Managed by local alumni for local alumni, alumni in Abuja can join the Whatsapp group by completing a short form.
“This event served as our first get together since Covid-19,” said organiser Olusola Kayode (MA Management Studies 1980). “We brought together the older generations and the younger generations, which helped create networking opportunities for all attendees. The Abuja community really came together in the spirit of comradeship.”
The panel discussion ended with a message for Nigerian youth to “make a sincere effort to make sure your work is excellent and success will eventually follow”.
“It was such a fantastic event, well organised, impactful and inspiring,” said attendee Dr Halima Jibril (MSc Economics and Finance 2012, PhD 2016). “I learnt a lot listening to our esteemed panel share their stories of brilliance, determination, and hope. It was also amazing to meet new people and reconnect with old friends.
“And special thanks to our exceptional organisers for putting together such a memorable event.”
A Leeds family
For Halima, Leeds runs in the family. She attended the Abuja event with her mother Fatima Munzali Jibril (MA Modern English 1981) and father Emeritus Professor Muhammad Munzali Jibril (MA English 1976), and all three were grateful for the opportunity to celebrate their time at the University.
“I enjoyed the course and the city of Leeds,” said Muhammad. “Five years later, when my wife Fatima was considering applying for the English course, I encouraged her. Thirty years later when Halima wanted to do a Master’s degree, both her mother and I told her to go to our ‘Family University’, the University of Leeds. She finished the course and was offered a full scholarship towards a PhD by the University.
“We’re looking forward to one day sending our grandchildren to this wonderful place. Special thanks to the organisers for allowing us to come together and celebrate Leeds.”
The Abuja event was organised by Osarodion Judith Edosa (Law 2008), Adanna Egwuatu (MA Global Development and Africa 2011), Ifechi Nwachukwu (MSc International Business 2012), Olamide Adekunle (International Trade Law 2012) and Olusola Kayode (MA Management Studies 1980).
The panel discussion was moderated by Adanna Egwuatu (PhD Communications Studies 2009) and Judith Osarodion (Law 2008). Panellists included Dr Abiodun Adeniyi (PhD Communications Studies 2009), Dr Nuzo Eziechi (MA Human Resource Management 2008, PhD Business & Economic Studies 2015) and Taiwo Famogbiyele (MA TESOL 2005).