Twenty-nine years after graduating from the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), members of the Business Management Class of 1997 have reunited in Abuja
They have also resolved to use their professional experience to support young entrepreneurs and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
At their maiden reunion, the former classmates agreed to explore practical ways of empowering young business owners through training, mentorship, investment opportunities and other forms of support.
The class also resolved to constitute an investment committee to drive its economic initiatives and prepare the group for its proposed 30th anniversary celebration in 2027.
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Babangida Nguroje, who spoke at the gathering, urged members to deploy their professional expertise to strengthen the economy, support their alma mater and groom the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Nguroje said the reunion provided an opportunity for members to reconnect while also reflecting on ways they could give back to the university and contribute to national development.
“It is my honour to be in your midst this evening and a rare opportunity for all of us to be united again after several years,” he said.
He added that their training in business management, figures, data and research placed them in a position to make meaningful contributions to the economy.
“Much as we are here basically to catch up again, it is important that we discuss matters that will leave footprints in our university by identifying areas where we can assist, particularly our department,” Nguroje said.
He also called for the reunion to become an annual event while encouraging members to create opportunities for one another and support people in need.
Nguroje stressed the importance of investment-driven initiatives capable of creating jobs for young Nigerians and expanding domestic economic activity.
One of the organisers, Mrs Julianna Aiwerioghene, said the class would prioritise youth empowerment and mentorship as part of its long-term objectives.
Aiwerioghene said members, as business managers and professionals, were interested in helping younger entrepreneurs maximise their potential.
“We will be interested in harnessing their capabilities and helping them build themselves through training and other forms of support,” she said.
She added that the class wanted to contribute to building a productive younger generation while strengthening relationships among its members.
“We want to see a productive generation for the younger ones. We will subsequently look at helping each other and continually look at how we will remain united and grow together.
“Progress is what we take seriously, and we will also not forget our university in the process,” she said.
The class is expected to develop the proposed intervention and investment framework ahead of its 30th anniversary in 2027.