Commentary: Monsignor Professor Johnbosco Akam: A Living Legend

Written By Patrick Ikedigwe

Very Reverend Monsignor Professor John-Bosco Uchechukwu Ndubueze Akam was 72 years old yesterday. Born on August 15, 1947 to the family of late Mazi Pius Ogbuagu and Monica Ugodiya Akam of Oka Village, Uga in Aguata, the young John Bosco Akam had his Nursery and Primary education at Saint Vincent’s School, Uga, from 1956 to 1963.

JohnBosco started his journey to Priesthood on January 20, 1964 at All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha. He was always taking the first position in class. This earned him an accelerated promotion from Class Three to Class Five. He sat for London G.C.E and came out with 6 Alphas and 2 Credits in the Senior Seminary.

When he completed his philosophical studies, he was moved straight to Theology in Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu. He completed his theological studies with a First Class Honours in 1976 with 99% average. He was ordained a Priest by His Grace, Most Reverend Dr. Francis Arinze, now Cardinal, on April 24, 1976 at the Immaculate Heart Church, Uga.

The Young Priest was posted to Nnokwa Parish as the Parish Priest, with Nnokwa, Alor and Awka-Etiti as the major towns under the Parish. He was later posted to Akpu Parish. Father Akam’s rise to prominence came seven months later, in 1977.

He was posted back to his Alma Mater (All Hallows Seminary, Onitsha), as Teacher and Spiritual Director. There, he thought Music, English, Latin and Mathematics. It was, therefore not surprising that the Seminary made one of the best results in English Language. He established Music Department there in 1977. Monsignor Akam in July, 1980, left Nigeria for the University of Lovain, Belgium, where he became the first priest of Onitsha Archdiocese and the fourth Nigerian priest that studied in that Prestigious Institution.

Father John Bosco was appointed a Spiritual Director of Saint Paul’s Seminary, Lovain-La-Neuve. There, he had several pastoral engagements. After five and half years’ sojourn, he concluded his studies there, with six different degrees, including Doctorate Degree in Philosophy.

Realizing that North, South, East and West, home is the best, Father John Bosco Akam came back to Nigeria in 1986. He was soon posted to lecture at the then Bigard Memorial Seminary, Ikot Ekpene, now Saint Joseph’s Major Seminary. While lecturing, he was also moderating an NTA, Channel 6, Aba, weekly philosophical programme, “Reflections”. During the period, he was a visiting Lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Professor Monsignor Akam is a Linguist with proficiency in more than six international languages. Due to his intellectual prowess, he was elected the Rector of his great Alma Mater, Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu. Indeed, it was at Bigard that Professor Monsignor Akam demonstrated, in no small measure, his concern and care for the clergy and his self sacrifice for the service of God and humanity. His contributions to the massive infrastructural development of Bigard are legion.

Following these monumental achievements, he was called into the Papal Chamberlain in 1995, and elevated to the rank of Very Reverend Monsignor. In April, 1996, he was appointed Education Secretary of Awka Diocese. Later, he went back to Onitsha Archdiocese. In September, 1999, he was Parish Priest of Saint Augustine’s Parish, Amafor Nkpor-Agu. In 2001, His Grace, Most Reverend Dr. Albert Obiefuna, granted Monsignor Akam the permission to found a public Association that will care for the elderly and Disabled Clergy, Religious and the Laity. This Public Association is now calledMissionary Sons of Blessed Tansi (MST) and is made up of over 90 members at different stages of formation and profession.

Very Reverend Monsignor Professor John-Bosco Akam has touched many lives. He empowered nearly 2,000 indigents but brilliant students through award of free education from Nursery, Primary, Secondary to University. He is the Founder, Chancellor and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Tansian University, Umunya. Monsignor Akam is also Founder of the famous Konigin Des Friedens College, (KFC), Enugu as well as the Founder, Our Lady of Waldenstein Educational Centre, Uga.

Very Reverend Monsignor Professor John Bosco Uchechukwu Akam also founded Lumen Radio.  He is a man of rare intelligence, an orator, an ecclesiastical edifice, a philanthropist of the first order, a great teacher of faith and morals, a great mentor to the youths and a living legend. Monsignor Akam has received various local, national and international awards.

This man of God, who, in 1985, made a vow to God that, for the rest of his life, he would have in his hearty, a soft spot for the poor, is celebrating his 72 years of existence in this planet. It is our fervent prayer that Very Reverend Monsignor Professor John Bosco Akam will continue to receive God’s favor and blessings, to enable him sustain his philanthropy.

Happy Birthday, the Prof. Congratulations.