Scholars and alumni of the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM), Nasarawa State University Keffi, have elected Dr. Ephraim Okon as the new President of the ISDEVCOM Scholars and Alumni Association, signalling a new phase of leadership focused on collaboration, institutional growth, and global relevance.
The election, held on April 15, 2026, at the ISDEVCOM Auditorium in Keffi, brought together a wide cross-section of scholars and alumni in what organisers described as a well-attended and orderly process. This marked the end of the pioneering tenure of Dr George Ndukwu, a thoroughbred scholar and development communication strategist.
According to a press release issued by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Festus Ejiroghene Fifen, “Scholars and Alumni of the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication (ISDEVCOM)… have elected Dr. Ephraim Okon as the new President of its scholars and Alumni Association.”
Other members of the newly elected executive include Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, who retained her position as Vice President, Achilleus-Chude Uchegbu as Secretary, Chizoba Ogbeche as Assistant Secretary, Peace Oluchi Jerry as Financial Secretary, and Dr. Prudence Eboagwu-Ijah as Treasurer. Festus Ejiroghene Fifen was elected Public Relations Officer, while David Ogah Matthew will serve as Community Relations Officer. Dauda Shekwoladu Benaiah and Dr. Wamu Ishaya Maga emerged as Welfare Officers I and II respectively.
Okon Sets Agenda for Reform and Inclusion
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Okon emphasised that his emergence was a collective mandate rather than a personal victory. He stated that “the role is not merely a personal triumph but a mandate for collaborative service to build a stronger future for all.”
He outlined a forward-looking agenda centred on strengthening alumni engagement and institutional impact. Among his priorities is the creation of a unified constitutional framework through a comprehensive set of bye-laws aimed at improving transparency and organisational structure.
Dr. Okon also highlighted plans to deepen mentorship and professional collaboration across generations of ISDEVCOM scholars. According to the press release, his administration will focus on “fostering unity among alumni from various fields and create collaborative mentorship opportunities to bridge the gap between seasoned professionals and emerging scholars.”
Institute Leadership Charges New Executives
The Acting Director of ISDEVCOM, Dr. Daniel Chikada, congratulated the new leadership and urged them to create an enabling environment for scholars and alumni to thrive.
He charged the executives to “create an enabling environment for scholars and alumni to express their abilities for the growth and development of the institute,” adding that such efforts would benefit “past, present and future scholars.”
Dr. Chikada also called on members of the association to support the new leadership in delivering on its promises.
Outgoing President Reflects on Legacy
In a valedictory address delivered at the ISDEVCOM Scholars and Alumni Congress, outgoing President, Dr. George Ndukwu, described the gathering as more than a routine meeting.
“Today is not merely a gathering—it is a celebration of our shared identity, our collective progress, and the enduring bond that unites us,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Ndukwu highlighted key achievements, including strengthening academic output and global visibility. “We supported and promoted academic journal publications and ISDEVCOM conference proceedings, contributing to the global visibility and scholarly impact of our Institute,” he noted.
He also cited infrastructure contributions by alumni sets, including furnishing the Boardroom and Postgraduate Lecture Room, as well as providing essential equipment for the Auditorium.
In addition, he pointed to the launch of the ISDEVCOM Lecture Series as a landmark initiative. According to him, the programme “has opened new pathways for intellectual engagement and policy discourse,” aligning alumni contributions with broader societal impact.
Dr. Ndukwu urged the incoming executives to consolidate on these gains and deepen alumni engagement. He called on members to “remain connected, to give back, and to uphold the core values that ISDEVCOM represents—excellence, service, and impactful communication for development.”
A New Chapter for ISDEVCOM Alumni
The election marks a significant transition for the ISDEVCOM Scholars and Alumni Association, with expectations high for the new leadership to expand its influence within and beyond Nigeria’s development communication landscape.
With a renewed focus on governance reforms, mentorship, and institutional partnerships, stakeholders say the Okon-led administration faces the critical task of translating vision into measurable impact while sustaining the legacy of past leadership.
