Celestine Onwuliri

Italic text

Prof. Celestine Onyemobi Elihe Onwuliri
Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri
In office
2006–2011
Preceded by Professor B.A. Nwachukwu
Succeeded by Prof. C.C. Asiabaka
Ag Vice Chancellor, University of Jos
In office
2006–2006
Preceded by Professor M. Y. Mangvwat
Succeeded by Professor Sonni Tyoden
Honorable Commissioner for Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Imo state
In office
1997–1999
Honorable commissioner for Agriculture & Natural Resources
In office
1998–1998
Personal details
Born 17 February 1952
Mbaise, Imo State
Died 3 June 2012
Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality Nigeria
Spouse(s) Prof. Viola Adaku Onwuliri (m. 1978)
Children 5 (Ijeoma, Kennamdi, ChukwuEmeka, Chinemerem, Toochukwu)
Alma mater University of Nigeria, Nsukka
University of Leeds

Celestine Onyemobi Elihe Onwuliri (17 February 1952 - 3 June 2012 ) was a renowned university professor of Zoology (Parasitology) who served as the fifth substantive Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) [1] where he set in motion a 10 -goal strategic plan aimed at enhancing the integrity of the institution to produce world-class academicians and professionals[2] and also completely transformed the institution by completing over fifty infrastructural projects which included the erection of structures for faculties, departments, the tarring of roads to aid accessibility and the development of a staff quarters for the lecturers of the University[3][4][5] all before he concluded his tenure, with six of those buildings being commissioned in one day [4][5] and completed previous abandoned projects infrastructure projects in FUTO.[6]

He also briefly served as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos in 2006.[7] Prior to that he served twice as Honorable Commissioner in Imo State first as the Honorable Commissioner for Information, Culture, Youths during which he hosted the national sports competition IMO 98,[8] and later served as the Honorable Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources.[9][3] He was known for his humility, love and respect of all people irrespective of their social stratification[10] and had an uncanny ability to engage and connect with anyone.[11] Just before he died, Professor C.O.E Onwuliri was a visiting professor at the National Universities Commission, Abuja where he was Chairman Standing Committee on Private Universities (SCOPU).[3] He was also the current National President (Major General and Supreme Subordinate President) of the Knights of St. John International, Nigeria.[12][3]

After his death, an Educational Institution in the USA, the Graduate Theological Foundation, located in Mishawaka, Indiana instituted the Celestine O. E. Onwuliri Fellowship in Scientific Research and Human Values [13] which was at the same time granted to three students in 2016 [14]

Life and Accomplishments

Onwuliri hails from Umuokazi, Amuzi, Ahiazu Mbaise in Imo state, Nigeria.[3] He lost both his parents at a young age, his Father, Adolpus as a toddler and him mother, Rosanna as a young teen. He attended St Jude’s Catholic Primary School, Amuzi and Community Secondary School, Amuzi where he graduated with a division 1 and subsequently attended the Prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka where in 1975 he graduated at the top of his class with a Second Class Upper Honours in Zoology [11][15][16] and a Ph.D in Parasitology (1980), after a year’s research training at the University of Leeds, United Kingdom.[15][16] His academic brilliance earned him the University of Nigeria’s Foundation AID Scholarship (1972-1975) and he also became the first person ever to receive the Vice-Chancellor’s prize for the Best overall graduating Postgraduate Student (1980),[15][3][16] a feat which one of his sons would repeat 24 years later by becoming University of Nigeria's Best overall Graduating Undergraduate Student & Valedictorian.[15][16] Onwuliri moved to University of Jos after his PhD where he gained the bulk of his 32 years of teaching, research, administrative and community service experience and where he held several positions including Head of Department of Zoology, Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Sub-Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Acting Vice-Chancellor, all at the University of Jos; & Director, Academic Planning, Imo State University Owerri and then Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology Owerri between 2006 - 2011.[15][16] Concomitantly, he served as Alternate Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors (CVC) of Nigerian Universities (June 2010 – February 2011) and briefly as Chairman of CVC (February 2011 – June 2011).[3] During his time in Jos he founded and was President of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA), Jos Branch and Founder, Rotary Club, Naraguta, Jos.[3] He offered sterling leadership and served his fellow countrymen and women in various capacities including his time as the Knights Worthy President in Jos, First Vice President, Supreme Subordinate Commandery, Nigeria, Knights of Saint John International (2003-2009).[3][15][16]

Professor C.O.E Onwuliri had published over 200 well researched articles in peer reviewed journals and delivered several invited papers nationally and internationally.[3][16] He had served the larger society in various capacities such as National President Nigerian Society of Parasitology (now Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria) 1993-1997, Honorable commissioner for Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Imo state 1997-99; Honorable commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources 1998, Member Board of Governors University of Jos, Demonstration Secondary school (1983–97), Member University Press (1993-2001, Chairman Board of Directors University of Jos Bookstore, Chairman board of director NYSC Imo state 1997-99, Chairman Imo Broadcasting Cooperation 1997-1999, Chairman Imo Sports Council 1997-99 and during his tenure as Commissioner in the Youth & Sports Ministry, he hosted the 11th National Sports Festival, tagged, “Imo 98” the most successful National Sports event (1998–99), Member of Council University of Jos 1996-2006, Member Committee of Assessors, Nigeria National Merit Award 2002-08, Member Federal Government official delegation 2005 Christian pilgrimage to the holy land (appointed by President Olusegun Obasanjo, member of council Federal University of Technology Owerri (2006-2011).[15][3][16]

He had received several fellowships, honors and awards including; Fellow Nigerian Society for Parasitology (FNSP- now Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria), Fellow Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (FBSN), Fellow Civilian Institute of Democratic Administration (FCIDA), Fellow, Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (FNSBMB), Fellow the Association of Aquatic Sciences (FAAS), Honorary Fellow Nigerian Institute of Biomedical Engineering (HonFNIBE), Fellow, Society for Environmental Health (FSEH), Fellow African Scientific Institute (ASIF), Fellow Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (FSESN), Distinguished Academic Leadership Award (DALA) by COFICON and had served as consultant to several national and international agencies including World Health Organization, Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Carter Center/Global 2000, Federal Ministry of Health, African Program for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC).[3][15][16]

He was an alumnus of High Achievement (ALOHA) of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, a coveted award which is given to members of the University for outstanding achievements and contributions to the society.[3]

He also was honoured by several communities and the traditional institutions for his service; these included the titles Okanmuta Nwachinaemere of Amuzi autonomous community, Ezi-nwanwa 1 of Amaimo, the UgoMmuta of OkpuhuNkpa autonomous community in Abia State, the Ezi-nwanwa 1 of Ikeduru Clan, UgoNmuta of Mbaise, Nwachimereze of Amuzi inter alia.[3]

For his contributions to Science research and education at home and abroad, he received the highest science based honour here in Nigeria – the Fellowship of the Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS).[3][15][16] Few months before his death, Prof. Celestine Onwuliri registered PROFOUND, a non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) established with the sole purpose of providing succour to the underprivileged in society by enhancing their access to education, healthcare and shelter as well as providing empowerment to individuals and communities in order to fulfil their development potential.[17]

At the time of his death, Prof. Celestine Onwuliri, a Rosa Mystica & St. Jude Thaddeus Devotee and devout Catholic was the Nigerian National President of the Knights of St. John International, Supreme Subordinate Commandery and had already been conferred with many awards in the Church including the Pontifical Honours by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI; Ezinna Chimereze by the St. Jude Catholic Parish Amuzi; the St. Joseph The Worker Distinguished Merit Award by the Imo State University Owerri; Ambassador of Mary by the Ahiara Diocesan CWO; Ambassador General of St. Jude; Provincial Patron, Owerri Archdiocese Laity Council; Youth Ambassador Award; Catholic Ambassador Award; Patron CWO Umuahia Diocese and Grand Patron FUTO Chaplaincy.[3] As the head of the Knights, his 4-point Agenda for Knights, a Blueprint for Peace and Progress in Nigeria formed a backbone and framework for peace and this was highlighted by the 4th Memorial Lecture Guest speaker, Brig. Gen. Dr. George Ikioumoton in a speech entitled “Professor Celestine Onwuliri’s 4-point Agenda for Knights, a Blueprint for Peace and Progress in Nigeria.[18]

As a mark of honour to the late Onwuliri, his colleagues at the Imo State University, Owerri on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 in their full academic regalia, held a valedictory session to bid him farewell and the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Bethram Nwoke (who was Prof. Onwuliri's Phd student[16] ), led the session, where the colleagues of late former FUTO Vice Chancellor showered encomiums on him describing him as a great scholar, scientist and an astute administrator par excellence.[19] On the same day, the Imo State government organised an interdenominational service for Onwuliri and some others from the state who died in the plane crash. Markets in the Owerri metropolis remained closed during the period, while all the state senior civil servants in their black converged on the Ahiajoku Convention Centre, Owerri venue of the ceremony where the state governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, led the state executive council members for candle light procession, while the speaker, Hon. Benjamin Uwajiogu and others followed in order of sequence with the first Bible reading drawn from the book of Thessalonians 3:18 being read by the Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso.[19]

Also in Onwuliri's honour, the leadership of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) Students Union Government (SUG) organised a candle light procession on campus.[19]

After his death, an Educational Institution in the USA, the Graduate Theological Foundation, located in Mishawaka, Indiana instituted the Celestine O. E. Onwuliri Fellowship in Scientific Research and Human Values [13] which was at the same time granted to three students in 2016 [14]

His burial was attended by the masses, students of Federal University of Technology Owerri, Knights of St. John and also dignitaries like President Goodluck Jonathan represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim, Ministers, Governors including Ikedi Ohakim, Peter Obi, Senators including Hope Uzodinma, Dr. Kema Chikwe, and many Honorable members of the Federal House of Representatives including Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and many other distinguished personalities from the Academia and various fields.[20][21]

The Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama at Onwuliri's burial described him as a personal friend, a committed Catholic who put so much time and energy to the service of the Lord especially the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos [15] urged the wife and children of the late Onwuliri to ensure upholding the legacies of their great father and husband, while describing him as a patriotic Nigerian [22]

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Hayward Babale Mafuyai [23] has stated that late Prof. Celestine Onwurili was a great personality who left his mark on the sands of time, Speaking at a one-year remembrance Mass held in honour of the late Professor at the Good Shepherd Catholic Chaplaincy of the University of Jos, Permanent site,last Sunday, the Vice Chancellor described him as a “man of excellence, full of compassion, kindness and mercy, and very brilliant in all the things he did”.[24]

President Goodluck Jonathan urged university students to emulate the virtues that characterised the life of the former Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri Prof Celestine Onwuliri; he described Onwuliri as an accomplished academic and lauded his Rich academic history while speaking during the inauguration of an ultra-modern laboratory built by the management of Gregory University Uturu in Onwuliri’s honour.[25]

Prof. Onwuliri received several posthumous honours including the proposed foundation laying ceremony of Prof. Onwuliri Library and computer centre Amuzi;[7] commissioning of Prof. Celestine Onwuliri Ultra Modern Biology Laboratory[26] at the Gregory University Uturu, Abia State;[7] the Prof. C. O. E. Onwuliri Classroom Block in an Umuahia Seminary;[7] the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN) book written on him titled “My Society and Prof. C.O.E Onwuliri" where members recounted their various experiences and encounters with Prof. Onwuliri in appreciation of how he touched their lives;[27] the inauguration of the “Prof. Celestine O.E Onwuliri Young Scientist Award" by the Nigerian Parasitology Society, to honour him and achieve his desire of encouraging young scientists;[27] the naming of the International Conference building in FUTO after him as the Celestine Onwuliri International Conference Center [28] Federal University of Technology, Owerri;[29] and the institution of the Prof. C.O.E Onwuliri Memorial Scholarship Award.[30][31] by the International Liaison of Mbaise Indigenes (ILMI) [32] and the inauguration of the annual Prof. Celestine O. E. Onwuliri Memorial Lecture.[33]

The Prof. Celestine O. E. Onwuliri Memorial lecture has taken place five times so far starting from the 1 year anniversary of his death till date [33] with the 1st Prof. Celestine O. E. Memorial lecture being held at Federal University of Technology Owerri in 2013 and the lecture was titled “INTELECTUALISIM IN NIGERIA’S TRANSFORMATION” was delivered by the Nigerian Minister for Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo and during which the Governing Council and Senate of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri resolved to rename the FUTO international conference hall after the late Professor Celestine Onwuliri as the “CELESTINE ONWULIRI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE”;[33] the 2nd Onwuliri Memorial lecture held in 2014 and the guest speaker, Nigeria's Minister of Defence, State, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who delivered a lecture titled ‘Security and National Development’ discussing efforts to tackle Boko Haram and other challenges.[34] In 2015, the third Prof. Celestine Onwuliri Memorial lecture held at the Full Moon, Owerri organized by the Professor C.O.E. Onwuliri foundation and the guest speaker, Professor Julius Okojie, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission spoke on the Challenges of Nigerian Universities in the 21st Century.[35] The 4th Prof. Onwuliri Memorial Lecture in 2016 was hosted by the Governor of Enugu State, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi with Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Brig. Gen. Dr. George Ikioumoton as speaker and the lecture was titled “Professor Celestine Onwuliri’s 4-point Agenda for Knights, a Blueprint for Peace and Progress in Nigeria.[18] Also six Imo Undergraduates being presented with the ILMI-instituted COE Onwuliri Memorial Scholarship Award.[30][31]

On June 16, 2017, President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Peter Obi and Dr. Paschal Dozie, the chairman of MTN Nigeria, all participated in the 5th Prof. Celestine Onwuliri Memorial lecture,[36] and the lecture titled: “The problem with Nigeria” was delivered by former Governor Peter Obi while the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe was one of the Royal Fathers of the Day and it was followed by the 2017 edition of the Professor COE Onwuliri Annual Memorial Scholarship Award, instituted by the International Liaison of Mbaise Indigenes (ILMI) [32] in Diaspora and the scholarship award was presented to 6 Imo Undergraduate students.[37][36] The Onwuliri memorial lecture has continued to attract reputable Nigerians, Ministers, Governors, Senators, and many others and has been used to encourage them to support the causes of the PROFOUND foundation to help the poor and indingent [38]

In the words of one of his students describing Prof. Onwuliri, he said "You were a father indeed, You showed love, out of your mouth came words of wisdom. You were humble , never looked down on anyone irrespective of age and social stratification".[10]

References

  1. ↑ Retrieved 10 August 2017
  2. ↑ , 10-point goal, Retrieved 10 August 2017
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 , Prof. Celestine Onwuliri Biography, Prof. Celestine O.E. Onwuliri, ECUDOMEF, Retrieved 10 August 2017
  4. 1 2 , Tribute to Prof. Onwuliri, CKNNigeria.com, Retrieved 10 August 2017
  5. 1 2 FUTO takes a new look, January 2008, FUTO takes a new look, FutoAlumni ZoomInfo Retrieved 10 August 2017
  6. ↑ futoalumni.org, Futoalumni.org Retrieved 10 August 2017
  7. 1 2 3 4 , UNIJOS VC extols the late Prof. Onwuliri, UNIJOS VC extols the late Prof. Onwuliri, Plateau News Online Retrieved 10 August 2017
  8. ↑ Retrieved 10 August 2017
  9. ↑ Onwuliris death monumental loss to Imo, June 2012, Onwuliri's death a monumental loss to Imo Retrieved 10 August 2017
  10. 1 2 Retrieved 10 August 2017
  11. 1 2 , Prof. Anya's Tribute To Prof. ONwuliri, 2 July 2012, Prof. Anya O Anya's Tribute to Prof. Onwuliri, Source Magazine, Retrieved 10 August 2017
  12. ↑ Knights Mourn leader Killed in plane crash, 9 June 2012, Dr.Ejaife, Retrieved 8 August 2017
  13. 1 2 , GTF, USA Immortalizes Prof. Onwuliri with Fellowship in Scientific Research, 5 May 2016, GTF Retrieved 10 August 2017
  14. 1 2 , GTF, USA immortalizes Prof. Onwuliri with Fellowship in Scientific Research, 5 May 2016, GTF USA immortalizes Prof. Onwuliri with Fellowship in Scientific Research Retrieved 10 August 2017
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 , June 15, 2013, Vanguard News Retrieved 10 August 2017
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Prof Celestine Onyemobi Elihe Onwuliri CV, Chidicon,International Institute of Advanced Research and Training, Owerri, Nigeria Retrieved 8 August 2017
  17. ↑ , PRODOUND ECUDOMEF giving succour to the poor Retrieved 10 August 2017
  18. 1 2 , 4 June 2016, citizenng, Ugwuanyi Eulogizes Prof. Onwuliri Retrieved 10 August 2017
  19. 1 2 3 , 3 June 2014, Onwuliri Retrieved 10 August 2017
  20. ↑ PDP Stalwarts storm Prof. Onwuliri Burial, 24 June 2012, Onwuliri Burial Retrieved 10 August 2017
  21. ↑ , President Jonathan Commiserates with the Onwuliri's , 24 Jun 2012, Jonathan commiserates with the onwuliris Retrieved 10 August 2017
  22. ↑ Retrieved 10 August 2017
  23. ↑ Retrieved 10 August 2017
  24. ↑ Vice chanccellor of jos extols the late Prof. Onwuliri Retrieved 10 August 2017
  25. ↑ , Inauguration of an Ultra-Modern Laboratory in honor of Prof. Onwuliri, 18 July 2013, the nation online Retrieved 10 August 2017
  26. ↑ , Inauguration of Ultramodern Biology lab in honor of Onwuliri , July 18, 2013 Retrieved 12 August 2017
  27. 1 2 , book to immortalize late Prof Onwuliri, 22 January 2015, SundiataPost Retrieved 10 August 2017
  28. ↑ , FUTO HONOURS LATE PROF. ONWULIRI WITH MEMORIAL LECTURE, 24 June 2013, ImoTrumpeta Retrieved 11 August 2017
  29. ↑ , Celestine Onwuliri International Conference Centre Retrieved 10 August 2017
  30. 1 2 , Onwuliri 4th Memorial Lecture, 22 July 2016, Retrieved 8 August 2017
  31. 1 2 Onwuliri 4th Memorial Retrieved 8 August 2017
  32. 1 2 ILMI Retrieved 9 August 2017
  33. 1 2 3 , 2013, Onwuliri Memorial Lecture Retrieved 12 August 2017
  34. ↑ 2nd Onwuliri Memorial Lecture, 19 June 2014, 2nd Onwuliri Memorial Lecture, Daily Trust Retrieved 10 August 2017
  35. ↑ 3rd Onwuliri Memorial Annual Lecture, 4 June 2015, Alaowerri, 3rd Prof. Onwuliri Memorial Lecture Retrieved 10 August 2017
  36. 1 2 , Onwuliri 5th Memorial Lecuture, 12 June 2017, Retrieved 8 August 2017
  37. ↑ , Onwuliri 5th Memorial Lecuture, 12 June 2017, Retrieved 8 August 2017
  38. ↑ , PRODOUND, ECUDOMEF giving succour to the poor Retrieved 10 August 2017

Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities Scholars of Nigeria University of Jos

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