The Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Association (PAUAA) has called on alumni, young professionals and other stakeholders to take practical steps towards creating value, building meaningful connections and contributing to national development.
The call was made at the PAUAA Alumni International Conference, themed “The Advantage: Connecting People, Ideas and Opportunities,” which brought together alumni, industry leaders, students and other stakeholders for discussions on leadership, personal development, entrepreneurship and societal transformation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, PAUAA President, Dr. Onyebuchi Odianjo, emphasised the importance of giving back to the institution that contributed to the personal and professional development of its graduates.
The Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University, Professor Enase Okonedo, described the conference as a historic gathering that provided a valuable platform for interaction and collaboration among members of the university community.
She said the university remained committed to transforming society through individual actions, professional excellence and strong values.
“At Pan-Atlantic University, we believe that we can transform our nation with our actions. Our focus is the transformation of our society. We are the ambassadors; we stand out through our work ethic and values.
Let’s mirror the change we want to see and carry out our ambassadorship diligently,” she said.
The keynote speaker, Mr. George Onafowokan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Coleman Wires and Cables, urged participants to invest their time and experience in developing others, stressing that sustainable success requires patience, discipline and integrity.
He noted that there was no shortcut to success, adding that vision, focus, hard work and good character were essential qualities for personal growth and effective leadership.
“Leadership should be by example. Build a status that makes you a go-to person,” Onafowokan advised.
The Special Guest of Honour, Mrs. Olajumoke Cecilia Ajayi, shared insights on family relationships and personal development. She encouraged parents to guide their children while allowing them the freedom to express themselves, noting that competence must be matched with confidence.
She also advised young people to communicate openly with their partners about their ambitions and expectations before marriage.
Panel Sessions Highlight Pathways to Success
The first panel session, titled “Built to Scale,” featured Dr. Peter Bamkole, Engr. Mrs. Elozino Olaniyan, Deji Lana, Titilayo Oyinsan and Temi Salami.
The panellists encouraged participants, particularly students and young professionals, to take action towards their goals rather than wait until they had completed their education or achieved certain milestones.
They highlighted the importance of building strong networks, establishing effective systems and processes, and exercising patience in pursuing long-term ambitions.
One of the key frameworks discussed was the PSPP principle — People, Systems, Process and Patience — which emphasised the importance of combining the right relationships with structured operations and sustained commitment.
Other recommendations included developing a clear vision, avoiding idleness, identifying opportunities to meet people’s needs and positioning oneself to contribute meaningfully in different professional and social environments.
The second panel, “Beyond the Classroom: Alumni Who Redefined Success,” featured Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, Dr. Goodluck Lakinbofa, Mojibade Sosanya, Daniel Nnwoka, popularly known as Dan D’ Humourous, and Salem King.
Through personal experiences and professional insights, the panellists discussed resilience, creativity, purposeful risk-taking and the importance of remaining committed to one’s vision.
They also demonstrated how alumni could achieve success beyond conventional career paths by identifying their strengths, developing their talents and consistently creating value in their chosen fields.
Conference Ends with Renewed Commitment to Collaboration
The conference ended with closing remarks by PAUAA Vice President, Mr. Opeyemi Oluleye, who expressed appreciation to the participants and sponsors for their contributions to the event’s success.
A networking session followed, providing attendees with further opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations.
The conference reinforced the importance of alumni engagement in strengthening institutional relationships, supporting professional development and contributing to wider societal progress.
About Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Association
The Pan-Atlantic University Alumni Association (PAUAA) is committed to fostering a sense of belonging and pride among graduates of Pan-Atlantic University. The Association connects alumni to promote lifelong relationships, professional growth, mutual support and meaningful contributions to the university and society.
