The College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, came alive in a vibrant celebration of legacy, leadership, and lifelong brotherhood as the Class of 1994 known as the 'Semper Fidelis' held its 30th Anniversary Reunion Summit at the Andover Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu.
The summit, themed “The Role of Alumni in Education Development and Nation Building,” convened reverend fathers, former teachers, distinguished alumni, and invited dignitaries, members of the global CIC alumni community in a reunion marked by nostalgia, powerful speeches, renewed commitments, and a collective pledge to deepen the legacy of one of Nigeria’s most respected secondary institutions.
The event hosted several prominent personalities, including: Chief John Nnia Nwodo, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; Engr. Emenike Ukoha, President, CIC Class of ’94; Pharm. (Sir) Bankole Aminu Ezebuilo, NAIP National Chairman & CPC Chairman; Hon. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, President, CIC Alumni International & Chairman of the Occasion; Barr. Iheobuna Orji, Chief Registrar, Customary Court of Appeal, Enugu; Prof. Oliver Nnona, Sub-theme Speaker; Reverend Father Okeke.
CPC Chairman and NAIP National Chairman, Pharm. (Sir) Bankole Aminu Ezebuilo, opened the summit with an emotional reflection on the enduring bond shared by the Class of ’94. He began by paying tribute to the Class President, Engr. Emenike Ukoha, describing him as “a leader who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
Ezebuilo also praised the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Sam Ogbu Nwobodo, calling him “a man of dignity and vision whose leadership reflects the values CIC stands for.”
Reflecting on their days in CIC, he said: “Thirty years ago, we walked out of the gates of CIC as young men armed with dreams and courage. Today, we return to honour the bond that shaped us.” He paid heartfelt tribute to the late iconic principal, Mr. Chukwu (Jungle), noting: “He was not just a principal—he is a legacy.”
Ezebuilo urged alumni to keep giving back, reminding them that the reunion was not merely a celebration but “a reaffirmation of friendship, brotherhood, and responsibility.”
Class President Engr. Emenike Ukoha called on members of the Class of ’94 to deepen their commitment to the school and strengthen mentorship for younger students. “The Class of 1994 is not just a set; it is a brotherhood strengthened by time,” he said.
He urged alumni to move beyond sentiment into purposeful action: “Let the legacy of 1994 not be nostalgia, but contribution—a living example of what it means to turn brotherhood into impact.” Ukoha expressed gratitude for the overwhelming success of the reunion and for the calibre of dignitaries who honoured the event.
Chairman of the Occasion and President of CIC Alumni International, Hon. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, delivered a powerful address that expanded the theme of the summit.
He emphasized that alumni networks worldwide are catalysts for national development, stressing that CIC alumni must continue their culture of leadership and innovation. “We represent a powerful network of individuals shaped by our alma mater. Our ability to do great things faces challenges, but when we remain united, our impact is limitless.”
He highlighted recent alumni-driven initiatives, including the launch of a national STEM Programme, which will officially commence next year.
Chief Registrar of the Customary Court of Appeal, Enugu, Barrister Iheobuna Sparkle Orji, delivered one of the event’s most stirring speeches, exploring the power of identity and the responsibility of legacy.
She asked: “What’s in a name? Has it got any power.? She explained that while names carry weight, their true power comes from the actions and character of those who bear them. “In reality, we fight for our names, we guide them, we protect them. A good name is better than silver and gold.”
Barr. Orji praised CIC as “a weighty name, a formidable academic identity,” adding that its alumni command influence across Nigeria—from courtrooms to boardrooms.
Her call to action was clear: “Let your name speak louder than your fears. When next you sing the school anthem, remember—you are not just calling a name; you are becoming it.”
Former Minister of Information and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, delivered the keynote address, commending CIC alumni for what he described as “unmatched transformational work.”
He said: “No alumni association in Nigeria—not even at the university level has achieved this level of transformation within such a short time.” He highlighted CIC’s modern infrastructure, including: Real-time electronic teaching systems, a world-class Olympic-standard stadium, an improved learning and living facilities among others.
Chief Nwodo urged the alumni to broaden their impact with initiatives such as: International teacher exposure programmes, global vacation tours for students, CIC radio station, alumni database for mentorship and job placement and to give support for international exams and scholarships. On politics, he challenged younger CIC alumni to stop avoiding leadership roles. “The more honest people avoid politics, the less progress we make.” he added.
Sub-theme speaker Prof. Oliver Nnona aligned his remarks with Chief Nwodo’s address and revealed a range of ongoing alumni initiatives.
He announced a new CIC Radio Station vision, the ongoing expansion of sports infrastructure, an annual alumni soccer tournaments, the teacher welfare programmes, annual recognition and reward schemes, christmas welfare packages for staff and a STEM Education Laboratory under construction.
He emphasized: “Everything we are doing, from teacher support to infrastructure is about keeping CIC at the forefront of academic and moral excellence.”
In an exclusive interview with CEOAFRICA, members of the Class of ’94 expressed pride in the reunion and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the school.
Pharm. (Sir) Bankole Ezebuilo, who described the reunion as a profound reminder of friendship and responsibility, said the greatest gift alumni can offer society is investment in the next generation. “If you build a good educational system and train the younger generation, you will build a better nation,” he said. “CIC gave us discipline, direction, and identity, and we must return the favour by strengthening the system that shaped us.”
Class President, Engr. Emenike Ukoha, said the turnout and success of the event exceeded expectations. “History was made today,” he said. “This gathering is beyond what we prayed for. It reminds us that brotherhood is not a memory—it is a duty, and we must continue to uplift this school and each other.”
Also speaking, Dr. Anthony Ezekwugo said the reunion touched him deeply because it represented a collective recommitment to service. He recounted how members of the class took up scholarships for some students during a previous visit to CIC. “We promised to train them to university level,” he said. “This is what giving back means. We must continue supporting our brothers and lifting those among us who need help.”
Mr. Ikenna Amuka, Secretary of the Reunion Committee, spoke on some of the projects recently undertaken by the alumni. “We conducted a medical outreach, shared essential drugs, and we are raising funds to enhance the library and laboratory,” he said. *“Alumni are indispensable partners in education, and the Class of ’94 is committed to making a difference.”
Similarly, Mr. Ikechukwu Vincent described the event as superb and encouraging. “Government alone cannot handle the educational burden,” he said. “Alumni must continue to fill the gaps—academically, morally, and infrastructurally.”
Several dignitaries including Chief Nwodo, Hon. Nwobodo, Prof. Nnona, Barr. Orji and other distinguished guests received award of honour for their outstanding service to humanuty, contribution to education, leadership and national development and the role they play in uplifting CIC's legacy.
The CIC Enugu Class of ’94 30th Anniversary Reunion Summit ended with renewed enthusiasm, stronger bonds, and a collective pledge to deepen their contribution to their alma mater, support teachers and students, invest in modern learning systems, and expand their influence in national leadership.
With ongoing commitments to mentorship, STEM development, infrastructural support, and alumni engagement, the Semper Fidelis Class of ’94 reaffirmed its reputation as one of the most active and impactful alumni groups in the country.
