Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) in Port Harcourt was abuzz with celebration on Friday as the university community, dignitaries, family, and friends gathered to mark the 60th birthday of its Vice Chancellor, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, DSSRS. The momentous occasion was marked by a book launch in his honour and his investiture as a Fellow of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP). Adding to the significance of the day, the foundation laying ceremony for the Professor Okechuku Onuchuku Building for the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies also took place, Africa Update reports.
The welcome address was delivered by Professor Chibuzor Chile Nwobueze, Associate Dean of the Postgraduate School and convener of the Onuchuku at 60 Publication Committee. He lauded Professor Onuchuku as the “most humane and peaceful Vice Chancellor in Nigeria” and the “father of our forward ever University.”
Professor Nwobueze highlighted Professor Onuchuku’s visionary leadership, which has propelled IAUE to new heights in learning, creativity, and progress. The investiture as a Fellow of the SPSP, he noted, affirmed the Vice Chancellor’s humane and peaceful life and paid homage to his legacy of dedication, courage, compassion, pursuit of excellence, and peace.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of a book, a collection of essays from academics across various fields, comprehensively capturing Professor Onuchuku’s inspiring career and contributions to academia and society. Professor Nwobueze congratulated the editors and contributors for bringing the “masterpiece” to life, describing it as a “beacon of knowledge” and a source of inspiration.
Looking to the future, Professor Nwobueze announced the laying of the foundation for the Professor Okechuku Onuchuku Building for the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies. This initiative, funded in part by the proceeds of the book launch, will serve as a lasting tribute to the Vice Chancellor’s academic excellence, vision, and peaceful leadership. The institute aims to be a center for interdisciplinary research in peace and conflict studies, dialogue, and innovation, empowering scholars and professionals to address contemporary challenges and promote peaceful coexistence.
Professor Nwobueze expressed his gratitude to the organizing committee and all those who contributed to making the celebration a reality. He urged attendees to celebrate with joy, reflection, and gratitude, honoring Professor Onuchuku’s achievements and supporting the vision of the legacy building.
In his concluding remarks, Professor Nwobueze once again welcomed everyone and wished Professor Onuchuku a happy birthday and congratulations on the book launch and the inspiring legacy he continues to build at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.
