ABOUT CUAA
Past – Present – Future
Who We Are
The Christian Union (UNIBEN/UBTH) Alumni Association
CUAA is an acronym for Christian Union (UNIBEN/UBTH) Alumni Association. It is statutorily made up of all graduates from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) who were members of the Christian Union campus fellowship.
The constitution of the association however extends membership to spouses of members as well as other well-meaning believers who wish to identify with the aims and objectives of the association.
Our History
A Journey of Metamorphoses
CUAA was first referred to as the Senior Friends Fellowship when a few brethren saw the need for alumni members to maintain fellowship among themselves upon graduation. Their coming together led to Bro. Kingsley Akhigbe serving as the first known president from 1985 to 1989.
He was succeeded by Engr. Mike Ajado (1989–1993), during whose leadership the name was changed to Christian Union Alumni Association (CUAA).
In 2005, following the successful merger of CU and NIFES campus fellowships (consummated in 2003), the alumni body became CUNAA — Christian Union–Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students (UNIBEN/UBTH) Alumni Association.
However, in 2022, after NIFES opted to leave the union, the alumni association reverted back to CUAA.
It is worthy of note that these presidents worked with various EXCO and non-EXCO members to help in no small way to the building up and growth of CUAA. It is also gladdening to note that CUAA has not been enmeshed in any leadership succession crises to date.
Governance
Operational Structure
CUAA has a constitution guiding her operations, which came into effect in May 2007. The association operates through chapters, zones, the National Executive, the Board of Trustees and the Convention in Session.
The National EXCO is made up of 14 members with 2 representatives from the campus fellowship — the Final Year Brethren Fellowship (FYBF) Coordinator and the CU President. The National EXCO receives overall guidance from the Board of Trustees (BOT).
CUAA achieved corporate status as a registered trustee with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2013. The highest decision-making body is the convention in session, held every year in May. The mantra "Together for a Value-Added Life" was created and adopted in 2007.
Board of Trustees (Inaugurated 2014)
Over the years, as CUAA grew with members travelling abroad, chapters were formed in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and more. Regional bodies now include CUAA US, CUAA Canada, CUAA Australia and CUNAA UK/Europe. The First International Convention was held in Lagos in 2016.
Leadership
Past National Presidents
Kingsley Akhigbe
1985 – 1989
Mike Ajado
1989 – 1993
Humphrey Arheghan
1993 – 1997
Omokhoa Adeleye
1997 – 2001
Moses Idahosa
2001 – 2006
Afebu Omo-Ikirodah
2006 – 2013
Henry Okeri
2013 – 2017
Daniel Okojie
2017 – 2021
Edith Amadin
2021 – 2025
Timothy Eghellen
2025 – Present
Our Roots
Relationship with CU Fellowship
CUAA has maintained a healthy and supportive relationship with the campus fellowship. She has consistently rendered financial support including the purchase of generators, tents, musical instruments, fans and buses. Through her activity groups, alumni members have also supported the various activity groups in their endeavours.
The campus fellowship started at Ekenwan Campus as the Evangelical Christian Union in October/November 1970, with Bro. Mike Ohiorenoya as the first president. The Ugbowo Campus fellowship started in 1975 with Bro. Eric Akpejuno. In 1978/1979, both campus fellowships merged to become Christian Union (UNIBEN/UBTH) with Bro. Omadeli Boyo as president.
Activity Groups in CU
Fellowship Leadership
CU Presidents Since Inception
Looking Ahead
The Future is Bright
CUAA is no doubt growing and making progress. A lot however still lies ahead to conquer. There is the need to fully harness the individual potentials and capabilities of her members. More chapters and regions need to be up and running actively. CUAA can and should consistently make a great positive impact on the nation and the world at large. Together, we can.
"O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come."
Let us continue in His strides as we await His coming. Let's all be part of the success story. He is our sufficiency. To Him be the glory.
CUAA — Together for a Value-Added Life