GRADUATES OF GHANA TERTIARY INSTITUTION ASSOCIATION - A LEGACY OF UNITY AND NATION-BUILDING
The Graduates of Ghana Tertiary Institution Association was born on December 17, 2016, during the wedding of Dumo Black-Duke in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Initially a gathering of friends, the event marked the beginning of an association that is now dedicated to fostering leadership and progress among its members.
With just 28 founding members and the mantra “Raising World Leaders,” Ghana Alumni has since evolved into a formidable force connecting graduates of Ghanaian universities across the world. Today, the association boasts over 1000 registered members across 11 active state chapters, including professionals, politicians, and change-makers who work together to further the association’s vision and impact.
FOUNDING VISION AND OBJECTIVES
From the outset, the association was guided by clear objectives:
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Unite Graduates To bring together graduates of Ghanaian universities, regardless of their current location, thereby creating a supportive global network.
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Promote Welfare To care for the welfare of members and advocate for their interests.
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Foster Unity To ensure love, unity, and peace among members.
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Support Development Projects To champion initiatives that foster progress and development within the alumni community.
This shared vision has led to the formation of state chapters in Bayelsa, Oyo, and Rivers, with more expected to follow as the association continues to grow.
LEADERSHIP MILESTONES
After its formation, an interim government was established and led by Mrs. Tina Erefa as President and Mr. Ibu Mizodome as Vice President. The interim leadership spearheaded the formal incorporation of the association with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
The first set of trustees included:
Mrs. Erefa Manungha Zuoere Mrs. Ginika Juliet Lucky Festus Mrs. Ogbonna Obiaku Florence Mr. Nwankwo Victor Nkemjika, Esq. Mr. Iwariso Zinami Fyneroad, Esq. Mr. Emmanuel Whyte Eyo Mr. Ibu Mizodome
The first official election was held in 2018, where Miss Ginika Juliet Ekebude (now Mrs. Ginika Lucky Festus) was elected President. She later handed over leadership to Osaki Evans in 2019, who served for three years.
In July 2022, Emmanuel Whyte emerged as President after a keenly contested election.
Most recently, in July 2024, Valentine Ifejika was elected as the current and serving President of the association. This reflects the association’s commitment to democratic leadership and smooth succession.
CELEBRATING LOVE AND STRENGTHENING BONDS
Weddings have always been symbolic events for Ghana Alumni, representing not only personal milestones but also the strengthening of community ties.
From the wedding of Jack and Toju, who became engaged during the wedding of Mr. Dumo Black-Duke, to the wedding of Hon. Ibu Mizodome, who married a fellow Ghana-educated alumnus, these celebrations have continued to unite members.
Over 30 members, including three past presidents, have gotten married, further cementing the association’s legacy of unity and brotherhood.
NOTABLE PROJECTS AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Ghana Alumni has consistently demonstrated its commitment to community development and nation-building through several impactful initiatives.
Project Inspire a Child (2018) This initiative was held across Kaduna, Bayelsa, Abuja, Rivers, Abia, Oyo, and Lagos. It provided essential supplies and support to underprivileged children.
Children, A Gift to Humanity (2019) This project focused on enriching the lives of children in Enugu, Rivers, Oyo, and Katsina.
Glow 9ja Project (2020) A community outreach initiative aimed at uplifting and supporting communities.
October to Remember (2021) This project provided relief materials to victims of a petrol tanker explosion in Rivers State and also supported hospitals in Katsina.
Voter Education Campaign (2023) An initiative aimed at increasing voter turnout and educating Nigerians on the importance of informed participation in elections.
Back to School Program (2023) Organized by the Lagos Chapter, this program adopted and sponsored several indigent children in Maroko, Lagos.
IDP Outreach The Abuja Chapter has conducted several visits to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, supporting children with school materials and providing food support to their families.
NATIONAL CONVENTION
The association’s first National Convention was held in Benin City in 2023 with the theme “The Wealth of Our Unity.”
The convention has since become the association’s flagship event, bringing together members from across the world for a four-day program featuring sports, leadership summits, congress sessions, and social activities.
The second edition of the convention is scheduled to hold in Rivers State, Nigeria, in October, further strengthening the bonds within the association.
ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR
The association has lived up to its mantra of raising world leaders. Its members have achieved notable success across various sectors.
Members of the association have served as:
Local Government Chairmen Caretaker Committee Members Leaders and managers in international oil companies Senior staff in the Big Four accounting firms Councillors in local governments
Additionally, many members and their relatives have secured employment opportunities through the network created by the association. Some members have also contested various elective positions, including national-level offices.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Ghana Alumni continues to expand its reach with active state chapters in Rivers, Lagos, Bayelsa, Ondo, Ogun, and Kaduna, all leading various local initiatives.
The association’s vision remains clear: to foster leadership, community service, and unity among its members while contributing positively to society.
What began as a gathering at a wedding in 2016 has grown into a movement committed to raising world leaders, empowering communities, and building a lasting legacy of unity and nation-building.
Long Live Ghana Alumni Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Contributors
Zilpah Bruce Prince Ademola Adetola Sylvester Ezeanya