The Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), embarked on a significant visit to the residence of Prof. (Mrs.) Uche Azikiwe, the widow of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first President and the founder of UNN. This gesture, initiated by the Pro-Chancellor, Kayode Ojo, marked a renewed connection between the university and the Azikiwe family, a relationship that had seemingly lain dormant since Dr. Azikiwe’s passing in 1996. The visit, imbued with historical weight and symbolic significance, underscored the university’s commitment to honoring its founder’s legacy and acknowledging the enduring contributions of the Azikiwe family to the institution’s development.
Mr. Ojo, leading the delegation, conveyed the purpose of the visit as a directive from President Bola Tinubu to elevate UNN’s educational standing and scholarly achievements, aligning with the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” He extolled Dr. Azikiwe’s nationalist spirit and visionary leadership, not only as a founding father of Nigeria but also as the driving force behind the establishment of UNN. The visit, therefore, served as a tribute to Dr. Azikiwe’s pivotal role in the university’s inception and his enduring influence on its trajectory. It symbolized the university’s recognition of its historical roots and its commitment to upholding the values and vision of its founder.
Mrs. Azikiwe, receiving the delegation, expressed her profound gratitude for the visit, highlighting its unique nature as the first official visit from the university since her husband’s demise. Her words conveyed the significance of the gesture, not just as a personal acknowledgment but as a symbolic rekindling of the bond between the university and the Azikiwe family. She offered prayers for the success of the Governing Council, invoking divine wisdom and guidance for their tenure, and expressed her hope that they would leave a lasting positive impact on the institution. Her words resonated with a sense of renewed hope and a desire for a fruitful and impactful future for the university.
In a touching display of appreciation, Mrs. Azikiwe further penned a letter to Mr. Ojo, reiterating the historical significance of the visit. She emphasized that he was the first Pro-Chancellor to extend such a courtesy to the Azikiwe family since Dr. Azikiwe’s passing. Her words underscored the depth of the gesture and its impact on the family. The letter served as a testament to the renewed connection between the university and the family, a bridge rebuilt after years of apparent disconnect. Mrs. Azikiwe’s expression of gratitude and her prayers for the Governing Council reflected a sense of optimism for a strengthened relationship and a shared commitment to the future of UNN.
This renewed engagement between UNN and the Azikiwe family holds significant implications for the university’s future. It signifies a conscious effort to reconnect with its historical roots and to honor the legacy of its founder. By acknowledging the contributions of Dr. Azikiwe and his family, the university reinforces its commitment to the values and vision upon which it was established. This rekindled relationship also opens up opportunities for collaboration and further strengthens the university’s ties with its history.
The visit, therefore, transcends a mere courtesy call; it represents a symbolic gesture of remembrance, respect, and renewed commitment. It serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, not only as a national figure but also as the visionary founder of UNN. The renewed connection between the university and the Azikiwe family promises a future where the institution’s history is honored, its founder’s vision is upheld, and the legacy of excellence continues to thrive. This renewed bond holds the potential to inspire future generations of students and scholars to embrace the values of national service and academic excellence that Dr. Azikiwe embodied.
