The Late Prof. Anthony Nweke Eze, Ozor Ugodike, was born into the family of Late Mr and Mrs Hyacinth Eze of Umuonukili family, Umuezealor Kindred of Arah Village, Nise, Anambra State. He was the first son and second child of nine children. He received his primary school education at Community Primary School, Nise, and his secondary school education at Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana.
Despite his humble beginnings, Anthony rose to the pinnacle of his career as a University professor in 2008. He obtained his BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in Vocational Education from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and went on to receive additional postgraduate degrees in Business Administration, Marketing, and Public Administration at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. He began his teaching career as an NYSC graduate assistant at the University of Maiduguri and later moved on to teach in secondary schools before becoming a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko and Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
As a scholar, Late Prof. Eze authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles, books, and book chapters, and presented numerous papers at local and international conferences. His remarkable works spanned across several institutions, including the University of Maiduguri where he served as a youth corps member from 1990 to 1991, and the Federal Polytechnic, Oko where he worked as a principal lecturer from 1994 to 2002. He also worked as the Chairman of the Board of Inter-State Finance, Anambra State from 2006 to 2008, and as an Adjunct Professor at Anambra State University, Uli since 2007.
At Nnamdi Azikiwe University, he also held several administrative positions, including as Head of Department of Vocational Education from 2006 to 2008, Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Education from 2009 to 2011, and later became the Dean of the Faculty of Education in 2019.
Prof. Eze was a well-respected figure in his field and conducted several technical reports and research projects. He was renowned for his work on a baseline survey on potential value chain in Anambra State, sponsored by Anambra State Government in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in December 2009.
In recognition of his contributions to the development of education in Nigeria, Prof. Eze received several awards and honours. These included the prestigious Nigerian National Merit Award, which he received in 2014 for his outstanding contributions to the development of Education in Nigeria.
Aside from his academic accomplishments, Prof. Eze was an active member of society and served in various leadership positions. He was the President General of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Awka Branch from 2007 to 2010. He also served as the Chair and Special Advisor in several public offices, including the 82 Division Nigeria Army Enugu and the Anambra State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy. He was the Director of Chike Okoli Entrepreneurship Center at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. He also served as a member of the Anambra State Post Primary Schools Service Commission from 2006 to 2009 and as a member of the Anambra State University Teaching Hospital Management Board from 2008 to 2011.
Ozor Ugodike’s dedication to community service was exemplary. He always lent a helping hand to many in the society, especially the less privileged. He was a man of great philanthropy, who invested his time, energy, and resources to make the world a better place. He was a public affairs commentator of repute with numerous commentaries on Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Awka and many other media houses in Anambra State and Nigeria.
In recognition of his great services and impact in the community, Rotary International District 9140, Rotary Club of Awka – GRA, gave him an award of community services in 2002. He received the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International in 2011. These awards attest to the fact that his services were not only limited to the academic community but to the larger society as well.
Ozor, as he was fondly called, was a role model and mentor to many. He had a passion for teaching and was always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others.
Late Prof. Anthony Nweke Eze was a loving husband to his wife, Prof (Mrs.) Peace Eze [née Ikeh], and a caring father to his six children – Stanley, Chigozie, Chioma, Chukwuebuka, Onyinyechukwu, and Kenechukwu. He was a devoted family man who always puts the needs of his family first. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the academic community.
Prof Anthony Nweke Eze, Ọzọ Ugodike, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.
Written by STANLEY NWEKE-EZE, ESQ
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