Chike James Ngwu (1952-2015), A Tribute

THE late Sir (Barrister) Chike James Ngwu was an educationist par excellence and Nigerians would not forget in a hurry his contributions towards the promotion of educational standard in the county.

Born on May 6, 1952 in Nsukka Local Council Area of Enugu State to Chief Matthew and Lolo Theresa Ngwu (both of blessed memories), Chike started his primary education at St. Paul’s Primary School, Nsukka. On the completion of his primary education, he proceeded to Anglican Grammar School (now Nsukka High School) where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1971.

Thereafter, he got admitted into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he bagged his B.Sc Agriculture in Soil Science degree (Second Class Upper Division) in 1981/82. Chike went back to the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, in pursuit of an LL.B (Hons) degree in Law, which he obtained in 2001.

He further attended the Nigeria Law School and bagged his B.L (Second Class Upper Division) in 2003. He held the following positions in the course of his studies and career: President, Student Christian Movement (SCM) in Anglican Grammar School, Nsukka (1971); President, SCM, UNN Chapter (1975-1977); National Vice President, SCM (1977-1978); President, Soil Science Students Association, UNN (1975-1977); President, Post Graduate Students Association, UNN (1982-1983); President, Nsukka Zonal Advancement Committee (1983); Legal Secretary, Anglican Diocese of Nsukka (2004-2008); National President, Nsukka High School Old Boys Association (2004) and Chairman, Ameze Owerre Nsukka Land Committee (2008).

Chike’s esteemed services to Nsukka people, Enugu State and Nigeria was rewarded with the following awards: Best Principal in Enugu State/Principal of the Decade at the 10th Anniversary of Enugu State (1991-2001); Vocational Service Award by Rotaract Club of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu (2006); Distinguished Service Award by Anglican Diocese of Nsukka (2001); Social Service Award by Rotaract Club of Nsukka (2003); and the Great African Merit Award (GAMA) in 2008.

A devout Christian, he was among those that were inducted into the Order of the Knights of St. Paul as pioneers members in 1998 by the then Bishop of the Diocese of Nsukka (Anglican Communion), His Lordship, Rt. Rev. J. C. Ilonuba.

As a member of All Nigerian Conference of Principals (1992-2008); All Conference of Principals (2006); the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) (2003 till death); LEAP Effective Leadership in Business (2008); Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) and Agricultural Society of Nigeria, Chike attended many professional conferences, seminars and workshops across the country. Married with children, he died recently and was buried on Saturday, July 4, this year, at his Ameze Owerre Nsukka home after a funeral service.

Chike was kind and forthright and would be remembered for his lofty contributions to the development of education and social justice in Nigeria. The Anglican community in Nsukka will particularly miss him. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Amen.