Former Central Bank Deputy Governor, Tunde Lemo advocates establishment of alumni association for former employees of organisations

Former Deputy Governor Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Tunde Lemo has advocated establishment of forum for former employees of various organizations and establishments, who he said  by extension will serve as brand ambassadors  for  their former places of employment.

Penpushing reports that, Lemo  said this while delivering lecture titled,’ Colleagues for Life: Connect, Explore and Benefit’ at the  maiden re-union of former staff of Wema Bank Plc, noting that the platform will be a treasure trove of band ambassadors potential clients, future business partners and top-notch rehires

‘An increasing number of organizations are now grasping the value of keeping the bond between employer and employee strong long  after the two have parted. Ex-employees are increasingly becoming a treasure trove of brand ambassadors, potential clients, future business partners and top-notch rehires’, he emphasized.

Penpushing also reports that, he explained that, gone are the days where former employees were referred to in the past tense!, pointing out that, even after moving on in their careers, the time they spent together connects them

‘Even after you move on in your careers, the time you spent together connects you all. Alumni network provides you with opportunities to stay in touch with your former company, network with fellow alumni, find new opportunities and continue contributing to  and benefitting from   the rich legacy you helped build’, he added.

‘Much like college and university administrators who enthusiastically welcome former students back to their campus community, HR leaders and managers are reaching out to individuals who left their jobs for any number of reasons’, Lemo stated.

The banking guru noted that, in doing so, many organizations are finding lasting benefits in these boosted ties, explaining that the  employer-driven alumni initiative is still novel in Nigeria and only very few companies (mostly foreign companies) are actively doing it.

‘I seize this opportunity to recognize and appreciate my very first post-graduation employer-Arthur Andersen-now KPMG for blazing the trail in this initiative. Coincidentally, I am currently the President of the KPMG Alumni in Nigeria’, he said

‘The evolution of the term reflects the changing business environments where organizations are keen to maintain a relationship with anyone who they have had a formal relationship, as each segment of Alumni can provide differing values whether it be interns converting to employees, retirees providing knowledge transfer or volunteers as brand advocates’.

The guest lecturer speaking on the benefits, said alumni associations offer networking opportunities, which can connect recent and former employees and help people pursue career change as well as business opportunities.

Penpushing reports that, he added that, networking can take many forms, stressing that alumni associations might offer online career fairs or host virtual networking events with tips for job interviews, stating that many alumni networks also maintain LinkedIn groups or connect alumni through member databases.

‘These connections can lead to jobs, clients, partnerships and other valuable career opportunities. Alumni associations send out current information about the firm to former employees via newsletters, e-newsletters or firm magazines. From a new branch/location slated for construction/opening to updates on the firm’s athletic teams’

‘Organizations now realize that a diverse and inclusive workforce improves performance, boosts innovation, and supercharges employee engagement. This is why they actively seek to address issues of gender, race, and equal pay for equal work throughout their enterprise’.

‘To breed an atmosphere of accountability and credibility, they focus on increased transparency to bolster change inside the company, and out. By placing a strong focus on the development and maintenance of their alumni network, innovative companies can leverage the reach and influence of ex-employees to promote corporate diversity within their enterprises’.

‘Alumni associations often partner with businesses to offer discounts for members. Members can receive group discounts onauto insurance, health insurance, life policy, cell phone service, electronics and other gadgets. In some cases, members can also receive group discounts on apparel, restaurants, and financial services’, Lemo added.

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