Nsukka, Nigeria – Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam, the Acting Vice-chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has commended the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the university for honouring retired colleagues while they are alive.
Ujam made the commendation on Saturday in Nsukka during a farewell ceremony organised by the faculty to say thank you to retired teaching and non-teaching staff of the faculty.
The VC, who was represented by Prof. Kamoru Usman, acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, said the ceremony was a welcome development as the faculty recognized the immense contributions of retired colleagues.
“This is commendable and a welcome development by the faculty led by Prof Chukwuemeka Nworu, the Dean of the faculty.
“The beauty of this event is that the faculty is recognising and honouring retired colleagues while alive, I urge all faculties in UNN to emulate this good example,” he said.
In a statement, titled “Legacies of service, scholarship and Selflessness”, Nworu said that the retirees contributed immensely and served the faculty meritoriously.
“I am pleased to inform you that this event is more than a mere ceremony but a recognition; an acknowledgement of an extra ordinary generation of scholars and staff who gave their time, their talent, their minds and their lives to build the foundation upon which the faculty stands tall today.
“We are grateful that through their efforts many pharmacists across the nation and various parts of the world were trained, mentored, excelled and transformed the profession.
“Our retired colleagues, we owe you all debit of gratitude which we can not fully repay
“These retirees invested their youthful years to nurture, build and teach with distinction and dedication,” he said.
Academic staff honoured include Prof. Amarauche Chukwu, Prof Jacob Onyechi, Prof Stella Inyagha, Prof C.V. Ukwe, Associate Professor Godwin Ebi and Associate Professor Patrick Udeogaranya.
And the non-teaching staff are: Mr. Titus Eze, Madam Mercy Echata, Ugwoke Michael and Anayochukwu Omeje, among others
The Dean urged the staff of the faculty to strive for scholarship rooted in integrity, service to humility and leadership born out of love for learning to ensure that the good work of the retiring colleagues is sustained.
Earlier, Prof. Ken Ofokansi, the Chairman of the planning committee, said those honoured
contributed immensely to make the faculty what it’s now.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Prof Amarauche Chukwu said they were humbled and overwhelmed by the honour and love showered on them by the faculty and noted that the event would forever remain evergreen in their memories.
Chukwu said ‘though they have retired, they are not tired’ and urged the faculty not to hesitate to seek any help from them that is within their capacity.
