A night in a thousand! But it did not come as a surprise to those familiar with the personality of Professor Isaac Uzoma Asuzu, a four- time Head of department, two- time Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Nigerian Nsukka, and now Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye —Ekiti. The venue was Princess Alexandria Hall of UNN and the event was a sent forth cum get-together organized by the University of Nigeria Nsukka in honour of their out-gone DVC, Professor Isaac Uzoma. It was a gathering of who is who in both UNN and FUOYE. The academics from within and outside Nigeria converged to give Professor Asuzu a befitting send forth, tagged, “Blacktie Dinner”.
The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer by Monsignor (Prof) Obiora Ike. Speaking on behalf of the authorities of University of Nigerian Nsukka, the Vice Chancellor and chief host, Professor Bartho Okolo, described Professor Asuzu as a fine academic and a pleasant administrator.
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A night in a thousand! But it did not come as a surprise to those familiar with the personality of Professor Isaac Uzoma Asuzu, a four- time Head of department, two- time Deputy Vice Chancellor of University of Nigerian Nsukka, and now Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Oye —Ekiti. The venue was Princess Alexandria Hall of UNN and the event was a sent forth cum get-together organized by the University of Nigeria Nsukka in honour of their out-gone DVC, Professor Isaac Uzoma.
It was a gathering of who is who in both UNN and FUOYE. The academics from within and outside Nigeria converged to give Professor Asuzu a befitting send forth, tagged, “Blacktie Dinner”. The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer by Monsignor (Prof) Obiora Ike. Speaking on behalf of the authorities of University of Nigerian Nsukka, the Vice Chancellor and chief host, Professor Bartho Okolo, described Professor Asuzu as a fine academic and a pleasant administrator. The occasion, he said, presented them with a mixed emotion; on the one hand, they are happy with Asuzus elevation. But on the other hand, they will miss his unique attributes which endeared him to all those who were privileged to work with him.
Going down memory lane, Professor Okolo recalled that he had met Professor Asuzu long before he, Okolo, joined UNN, then Asuzu had visited Strathclyde University, Glasgow UK. Upon joining UNN he heard so much about” a certain dynamic, passionate and productive researcher who shunned a number of administrative appointments; in fact he turned down a chance to become Head of Department at the early stage of his career, so he could concentrate on his research activities.
Professor Okolo described Asuzu’s rise as a demonstration of the saying that a “gold fish has no hiding place “and that authority derives from the Almighty God.
To Professor Okolo, Asuzu was “truly reliable both in time of normalcy and crisis, where he did not only add value to his official responsibilities but raised the profile of his office thereby earning the admiration of colleagues, partners and government regulatory agencies as evidenced in this gathering”.
In an emotion-laden tone, Professor Okolo expressed sadness at seeing Asuzu leave for FUOYE. However, he expressed delight at his appointment which he said come as a recognition of his personal attributes and his immense contributions to the development of UNN. Furthermore, he saw the appointment as a divine reward for sacrifice and hard work. Professor Okolo would wish to see Asuzu return to UNN at the expirations of his five-year tenure at Oye Ekiti , as he did an amazing job as DVC”. The University of Nigerian Nsukka owes a debt of gratitude to ProfessorAsuzu and his beloved wife, Chinwe, for their unflinching support; it is the kind of debt that UNN will never be able to payback so we can only pray that God continues to reward them abundantly for their contributions to the development of UN N” For Professor Onuoha, Professor Asuzu is man of conviction based on his faith and therefore lives avery fulfilled and happy life. He further said Professor Asuzu is a child of destiny who has refused to disappoint every confidence reposed in him.
While speaking on behalf of the management of FUOYE, Ag. Registrar, Mr. Daniel Adeyemo, said FUOYE is indeed privileged to have Professor Asuzu as its Vice Chancellor even after another world-class scholar, Professor Chinedu Nebo a former Vice Chancellor of UNN, had laid a solid foundation for FUOYE. He said FUQYE stands to gain richly from the wealth of experience of the Vice Chancellor, with a promise for continued collaboration between FUOYE and UNN. Mr. Adeyemo applauded the authorities of UNN for organizing the event, assuring the institution of maximum co-operation for Asuzu to succeed on his new assignment.
In the Vice Chancellors entourage were Ag. Registrar, Mr. Daniel Adeyemo, Ag. Bursar, Obadiah Dyiltu, Librarian, Mr. M.O Afolabi, Head of Ikole Campus, Professor Adeolu Aganga, Director Physical Planning Unit, Professor Amu and Head of Maintenance, Engr (Cannon) Echi Nwogu. Others present from FUOYE were Dr. Fasoranti, Ag. Dean of Student Affairs, as well as the University Information Officer, Dr. Ojiaku Kalu.
In his response, the celebrant, Professor Isaac Uzoma Asuzu, said he was overwhelmed by the reception organized in his honour and the quantum of emotions poured out on him. He appreciated all those who made the event a reality, confessing that UNN remains his home and would truly “wish to return here after my stewardship at FUOYE as I still have some more years to put in”. He solicited for the prayers from all wellw ishers towards his success in his new place of work. He said the celebration was coming about the same time his 60th birthday was around the corner. Professor Asuzu promised to put in his very best at FUOYE, while expressing his readiness to continue to work with UNN when called upon.
Reports by Godfrey Bakji.
