UNIZIK DVC, Prof. Asigbo, Bags Eastern Nigeria Merit Award of Excellence
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Alex Chinwuba Asigbo, has been honoured with the Eastern Nigeria Merit Award of Excellence in recognition of his contributions to educational advancement in Nigeria.
Prof. Asigbo, a Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies, was honoured alongside other recipients across various categories during the 6th edition of the Eastern Nigeria Merit Awards, held on Sunday at Best Western Meloch Hotel.
The event was themed “Inspiring Growth.”
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of the organisation, Prince Ikechi Okereke, explained that the Eastern Nigeria Merit Awards was established to celebrate individuals, groups, and organisations that have distinguished themselves in their respective fields and contributed significantly to the development and standardisation of activities within the Eastern Region.
He disclosed that Prof. Asigbo was selected as one of the star awardees of the event because of his outstanding personal pedigree and the remarkable heights he has attained in his professional career.
Speaking after receiving the award, Prof. Asigbo expressed appreciation to the organisers for the recognition.
BHe stated that, as an educationist, he remains committed to the advancement of learning, knowledge sharing, and meaningful contributions to society.
“I dedicate this award to all those who pursue excellence. It is a challenge, an inspiration, and an encouragement to continue inspiring the younger generation, especially in the area of education.
“For some of us, wealth is not the greatest measure of life. There are other values that motivate us more — building a better society, promoting moral upbringing, equity, fairness, and other virtues. In the business world, some of these values may not always count, but for us as teachers, our focus is on education and on recognising teachers because they are the moulders of society and the builders of the nation,” he stated.
Earlier, the keynote speaker, Rev. Fr. Prof. Dominic Obielosi, spoke on the 12 common types of growth and emphasised the need to reject negative mindsets and avoid complacency in the pursuit of personal and societal development.
He urged participants not to die with the treasures God had deposited in them, but rather to strive to fulfil their purpose on earth.
He also charged youths to embrace delayed gratification, noting that discipline is the defining difference between success and failure.
Another speaker, Sylvanus Okpor, while also addressing the themes of discipline and excellence, described discipline as the foundation of growth and excellence as the hallmark of true development. According to him, many people admire success, but only a few are willing to commit to the process required to achieve it. He stressed that excellence and growth are not one-time achievements, but continuous daily pursuits.
Prof. Asigbo’s recognition was witnessed by several staff members of the university, including a member of the Governing Council, Engr. Iyke Onwuemene; the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji; former Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Stan Udedi, mni; Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe; and other dignitaries.
