UNN Institute of Education Honours Ex-Deputy Provost, Onah, Six Others
By Wilfred Chukwuma
The Institute of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has honoured a former Deputy Provost of the Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, Dr. Paschal Chinedu Onah, with an Award of Excellence for his contributions to education and societal development.
Onah was among seven distinguished Nigerians honoured at the 2026 Public Lecture of the Institute, held at Menakaya Hall, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Speaking at the event, Director of the Institute of Education, Prof. Zephrinus Chidubem Njoku, said the annual public lecture was designed to provide a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on the mandates and activities of Institutes of Education, as well as contemporary challenges in teacher education and capacity development.
Njoku said the event also provided an opportunity to recognise individuals who had distinguished themselves through their contributions to the socio-economic development of their communities and society.
He said: “The honours to these Nigerians are meant to recognise and encourage them for their good work in society.”
The Director described the theme of the lecture, “Institutes of Education in Contemporary Nigerian Universities: Adjusting Foundational Mandates for Effective Service Delivery in a Technology-Driven Age,” as timely and relevant.
According to him, the theme was aimed at stimulating reflection among the Institute and other stakeholders on their traditional roles and responsibilities in the face of rapid technological advancements in the education sector.
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, described the 2026 annual lecture as a wake-up call to both teaching and non-teaching staff of the university, particularly those in the Institute of Education.
Ortuanya said the rapid emergence of digital technologies had made it imperative for Institutes of Education to rethink their methods and materials for effective service delivery.
He said: “The theme invites all of us to begin to re-think the methods and materials for attaining the mandate of Institutes of Education in the light of new and irreplaceable digital technologies, which have tended to force the Institutes of Education to change their mode of operation for effective service delivery in the modern era; otherwise, they would risk being left behind and irrelevant.”
The Vice-Chancellor commended Prof. Njoku for his leadership of the Institute and the Local Organising Committee, led by Associate Prof. Basil Oguguo, for the successful organisation of the event.
He also commended the guest lecturer, Prof. Victor Ndubisi Nwachukwu, Commissioner for Tertiary and Technical Education, Imo State, for his contribution to the lecture.
Responding, Onah expressed appreciation to the Director, members of the LOC and staff of the Institute for recognising him and the other award recipients.
Other award recipients were Prof. Victor Ndubisi Nwachukwu; Chief Executive Officer of Lightbulb AI Labs Limited, Clinton Chisom Mbonu; Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State, Hon. Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze; Ugwu Ernest Ikechukwu; Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini; and Onyemaechi Chinenye Pius.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
