AFAM EKEJIUBA

Isaiah Ekejiuba was born to the family of Isaiah Ekejiuba Okoli and Rebecca Nwamalubia (Nee Kanu) in 1939. Isaiah’s primary education took place in schools spread over diverse places in the country, where his parents’ missionary work took the family to.

Their work under the Anglican Communion consisted of church planting that involved them in a series of transfers every three years, on the average. Isaiah Ekejiuba attended schools at Imo, Anambra, Kogi, and Delta states. His moving around the country early in life opened his mind to forming genuine friendships and being exposed to other healthy experiences in his godly upbringing. All those served to broaden his perspective in life and his social skills for living with people different from him. It also laid the foundation of the widely-travelled life he led in subsequent years, opening rich vistas and windows to the world to him through the peculiar type of rich education that comes with travels.

He attended Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, which continued to be a source of pride for him and earned an A-level Certificate in Chemistry from the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, Enugu.

He studied Veterinary Science at Veterinary Science National Institute in Vom, Jos, Plateau State, where he sat for the entrance examination, and gained admission to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He successfully completed his postgraduate studies at Swansea University, Wales, United Kingdom, where he earned his doctorate degree.

Thereafter, from 1969 to 1976, he lectured at the University of Lusaka, Zambia, as the Biafran war of 1967 to 1970 delayed his return home. Upon his return to Nigeria, he began a teaching tenure at the University of Benin, rising to the position of Senior Lecturer. He transferred to Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik) in 1983 where he continued teaching in the Department of Industrial Chemistry before being promoted to Director, Continuing Education Programme.

While at UNIZIK, he went on sabbatical leave at the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, in his characteristic bid to enrich his work experience. He retired from UNIZIK after many years in varying capacities and became Professor Emeritus. Throughout his retirement, he continued to teach, supervise and mentor graduate students, guiding them to successful submission of their theses and dissertations.

Professor Isaiah Ekejiuba was a father, brother, uncle, cousin, grandfather, head of the larger family; author, mentor, advocate, adviser, father figure and benefactor to many, including those in the university community, village, and many others not related to him. He was very kind-hearted in spite of his serious demeanor. He was a stickler for excellence in character, personality and performance. It will be difficult to fill the shoes that he left behind.

Professor I.O.C Ekejiuba is survived by his children, grandchildren, sister and an extensive list of relatives. We thank God for a life most fruitfully spent, and pray that He receive Isaiah’s noble soul into His Perfect Peace.

Service of songs takes place today at Professor I.O.C Ekejiuba’s Country home, Ofia – Orie, Obinagu Village, Ndiowu, Orumba North L.G.A. Tomorrow, Wednesday, October 14, 2020, there will be funeral service by 10am at his country home, followed by interment and condolence visits. Outing/thanksgiving Service will take place at Saint Lawrence’s Anglican Church, Ndiowu by 9am on Sunday, October 18, 2020.

Prof, although we have been shaken to our cores with grief, we find solace in knowing that you are in a better place. We shall meet on the resurrection morning. Adieu.

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