Professor Oliver Nnona, General Secretary of CIC Alumni International, has unveiled an expanded set of developmental strategies aimed at strengthening academic excellence, teacher welfare, alumni solidarity, and infrastructural growth at the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu.

He made the remarks during the CIC ’94 Set 30th Anniversary Reunion Summit held at Andover Hotel, Enugu, on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

In his reaction to the keynote address by Chief John Nnia Nwodo, Prof. Nnona said the vision articulated by the keynote speaker resonated strongly with the long-term plans of CIC alumni worldwide.

“As I sat there listening to your address, sir, I connected instantly with your vision—especially on the power of disseminating information through a CIC radio station,” he said, adding that such a platform would enhance communication, deepen student engagement, and further project the values CIC has championed for decades.

Prof. Nnona also highlighted ongoing infrastructural projects, including the expansion of the school’s sports facilities. He noted that alumni-driven sporting programmes had become major avenues for bonding.

“We also have a soccer tournament where all active sets compete for glory and honour. By this time next year, the Semper Fidelis will play in the sports facility that we created,” he assured.

Emphasizing that staff welfare remained a priority, Prof. Nnona revealed that the global alumni body had institutionalized several support structures for academic and non-academic staff.

“At the national body, we have instituted that we are paying the teachers,” he said, recounting how teachers were fed, celebrated, and compensated during the last alumni convention.

He further disclosed that a Christmas welfare programme provides food items and financial gifts to teachers annually, while a motivation and reward system ensures outstanding staff receive special recognition. Prof. Nnona announced that the national alumni body had launched a major academic intervention focused on modernizing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education at CIC.

“This year, the national body started something new. We selected about four science teachers and took them to multiple conferences in Lagos where they began learning new methods on how to teach STEM. If they understand how to teach it, then students will learn better,” he said.

He confirmed that a state-of-the-art STEM Education Laboratory was currently under construction, a long-term project expected to equip students with modern tools, hands-on experience, and exposure to global opportunities.

Speaking on the broader influence of CIC alumni activities, Prof. Nnona revealed that educational institutions across the South East and beyond had begun seeking guidance from CIC on alumni organization and structure.

“Prominent schools across the South East and across Nigeria come to us to learn how we run our alumni body at CIC. Anything we touch becomes gold. CIC Alumni Association has become a model—not just nationally but internationally,” he said.

He explained that the secret behind the alumni’s success was a clear vision and collective unity. “We didn’t set out these things to show off, but people see what we have done and tell the story. A lot has been done in CIC. Our brotherhood stands for impact, and that is what distinguishes us,” he added.

Prof. Nnona emphasized that the alumni’s strength lies in combining fun with impact, honouring their past while strategically preparing for the future.

“We recognize our past because we also see our future. Even those graduating this year, we are already calling them to join the alumni and giving them something. It is because we have a long-term view of what it means to be a member,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of continuity, he noted that the alumni body respects both its elders and its younger members.

“Our oldest Semper is 84 years old. This ’94 set will also diminish in number over time. The power of our union is that we recognize our past and acknowledge the future,” he said.

Prof. Nnona encouraged members to appreciate the National President, Hon. Sam Ogbu Nwobodo, for his commitment and leadership. “He is a good leader. Despite his busy schedule, he finds time for us,” he noted.

In a direct call to action, Prof Nnona urged the Semper Fidelis to actively support the completion of the ongoing three-strorey STEM Education Laboratory. "I want to appeal to the '94 Set to contribute to the completion of this project so that by this time next year, we will be commissioning it," he said, adding that the landark facility would further elevate CIC's academic strength and global reputation.

He concluded by affirming that the CIC brand is not a product of chance but of deliberate, strategic, and sustained action.

“The brand ‘CIC’ isn’t by accident. It is the result of deliberate actions—some of which we have done here and continue to do,” he said.