Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), had held a valedictory session in honour of the former Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTECH) President, Prof. Cyril Onwumechili, who died on May 16, 2023.
The session took place inside Prof. Julius Onah Auditorium at the Agbani campus with the institution’s present and past Deans, Librarians, Registrars and other principals officers in attendance.
Onwumechili served the then Anambra University of Technology (ASUTECH) as Deputy president and later the second president of the institution.
The president who died at the age of 91 later served the institution as Deputy President, known as Deputy Vice Chancellor, between 1983 and 1984, and became the President, now known as Vice Chancellor, between 1984 and 1986.
In his opening remarks, the ESUT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aloysius-Okolie, said that Onwumechili brought a lot of ingenuity and laid a solid foundation that made ASUTECH stand tall among its contemporaries.
He noted that the former president’s innovative and creative ideas brought about the merger an demerger with sister institution, Institute of Management and Technology, and introduced seven new faculties to complement the existing three faculties.
He described late Onwumechili as an academician and astute administrator per excellence who served at many Universities and distinguished himself.
“Onwumechili no doubt created a big vacuum that would be difficult to fill, not only in science and Academia but also in his family, community and society.”
The former Registrar of the institution, Prof. Festus Eze, said that Onwumechili’s superlative vision when he assumed the position of Deputy President, brought a lot of changes to the institution.
Eze who served under the late president said that Onwumechili distinguished himself as a good administrator when the institution was in disarray because of a hurriedly-fashioned constitution that established the current ESUT.
In his tribute, Prof. Benjamin Marire, described Onwumechili as a mentor and a path way for those who wanted to be an academic professor.
He said that Onwumechili impacted much into the ASUTECH and the current ESUT and would be remembered for his good works and that he departed at the right age.
Prof. Chuka Onwumechili, the late president’s first son, appreciated the ESUT senate and other principals for their encouragement.
He said it was remarkable to learn about their father’s past academic life and at home, he was a father who loved education and he ensured that we were not left behind.
“My father loved ESUT and he always talked about it and that made me to wonder what is special about the institution until we got to know much about this school,” he said.
Onwumechili Junior informed the management that his father’s burial will take place on Friday by 10am in his compound at Enugu Inyi in Oji River Local Government Area, Enugu State.
