Academics, colleagues, mentees and family members have paid glowing tributes to late Professor Oleka Kelechi Udeala, celebrating his contributions to pharmaceutical education, innovation, mentorship and university administration.

The tributes were delivered at a valedictory session titled “A Life of Scholarship, Service and Legacy,” held in his honour recently. The Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, who said he had known Udeala for about 48 years, described him as a remarkable scholar and friend who believed in patience, perseverance and making meaningful contributions to society. He said Udeala had left the world better than he found it, urging Nigerians, particularly young people, to remain hopeful despite the country’s challenges.

The President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, Prof. Lere Baale, described Udeala as a “quiet giant” whose influence was demonstrated through his work rather than self-promotion, praising his humility, integrity, diligence and commitment to professional excellence. He noted that his legacy included the students he taught, scholars he mentored and institutions he helped strengthen.

He also described Udeala’s emergence as Nigeria’s first pharmacist to serve as a vice-chancellor as a milestone for the profession. According to him, Udeala received an honourable mention associated with the Rolex Award for Enterprise in 1990 for his invention and was named Man of the Year twice by the American Biographical Institute.

The Chairman of the Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Uchenna Apakama, described Udeala as a mentor, friend and compassionate father figure.
Drawing from his experience as a student and professional colleague at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Apakama recalled Udeala’s service as Head of the Department of Pharmaceutics, Head of the Drug Production Unit, dean and vice-chancellor.

In a separate tribute titled “A Great Father Has Taken a Bow,” the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Tanko Ayuba, celebrated Udeala’s contributions to pharmaceutical education and institution-building.

Udeala served as vice-chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from 1992 to 1995. In 2004, he established the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Port Harcourt, serving as its pioneer head until his retirement in 2016.

Ayuba said Udeala’s career demonstrated that professional success should be measured not only by positions attained but also by the people and institutions developed.

Udeala first son, Chinasa, said: “As his son, I am deeply proud of what he accomplished and the lives he touched. Losing him is painful, but there is comfort knowing that his life meant so much to so many people. But beyong his titles, his fellowships and professional achievements, he was my father. And that is the part of him that I will carry with me most deeply.”

Udeala’s daughter, Ms Nkechi Udeala, offered a personal tribute, describing him as a curious thinker, devoted father and patient teacher who took a keen interest in his children’s development.

She recalled his childhood curiosity, thoughtful Christmas gifts and approach to teaching mathematics, which emphasised understanding a problem before attempting to solve it. She also highlighted his love for music, cooking, good manners and Christian faith.

The National Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia, Prof. Catherine Nonyelum Stanley, described his death as a profound loss to pharmacy, academia and the Nigerian university system.

She said Udeala was among the pioneers who helped establish the intellectual and institutional foundations of academic pharmacy in Nigeria.

Similarly, Pharm. Ahmed Yakasi, speaking on behalf of the Academy of Pharmacy, honoured Udeala’s contributions to pharmaceutical science, education and university administration.