- Faculty of Humanities organizes creative activities in his honour
The Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebonyi State, yesterday held a valedictory senate session in honour of the late Prof. Austin Chukwu who died on Monday, August 7th, 2017.
This came even as the Faculty of Humanities celebrated the deceased in a creative command performance at the University auditorium.
The late Chukwu, a professor of humane letters joined FUNAI as one of its pioneer staff on October 2nd, 2012, having transferred his services from Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.
He was the pioneer Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and a vocal member of the University Senate. He participated actively in the interviews that brought in the first sets of staff into the University.
An accomplished academic and a consummate administrator, the late Chukwu was elected a member of the University Governing Council representing Senate at both the first and second Councils until his sudden demise.
In an emotion-laden event witnessed by the bereaved family, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba condoled with them on the irreparable loss, describing the late professor’s death as shocking.
He noted that the late Chukwu played a notable role in midwifing the establishment of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in the University.
“He was one of the few academics that worked on the academic brief for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences”, the Vice Chancellor stated, adding that “his place in the University is glorious and assured.”
The Vice Chancellor added: “…Prof. Austin Chukwu, a literary icon, cultural and cultured personality, a professor of humanities… will be deeply missed.”
Other members of the University Senate that included the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, former deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mosto Onuoha, Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Gloria Emezue, Head, Department of Languages/Linguistics/Literary Studies, Dr. Nnena Nwosu and Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), FUNAI chapter, Dr. Oguguo Egwu, all paid glowing tributes to the fallen academic, describing him as a teacher par excellence, orator, activist, bold and courageous, and an erudite scholar of international standing, adding that his intellectual works and other worthy legacies would remain indelible and immortal.
In their response, the former Nigeria Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu who spoke on behalf of the bereaved family described his deceased brother as a man in the finest definition of the word, thanking the University Senate for regaling them with all his fun memories.
The solemn event was witnessed by the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, who also thanked the University Management for honouring the late professor with a valedictory senate meeting.