Prof Nwajiuba
ByEjike Okpe
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There are birthdays and there are birthdays. But, while it might be commonplace to celebrate birthdays, celebrating it, intertwined with a world class academic event, can rightly be said to be anything but commonplace.
That was the case with the 60th birthday celebration of an erudite scholar, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi, Nigeria, who was, also, the second VC of the reputable institution in its young life.
Yet, choosing Coal City University, Enugu, one of the fastest growing universities in Nigeria, as the venue of the auspicious event was considered, in many quarters, as one of the most apt of choices of the celebrant, given the saintly and classical ambience, foisted on the ceremony by the aesthetic school environment.
However, of all the options available to the erudite professor, including throwing a lavish party in any part of the world, to mark his birthday, (he has the capacity), he would choose to gather eggheads and leading experts in the field of climate change, in a two-day conference themed: ‘Climate Justice and Just Energy Transition’. The two-day event lasted from Tuesday, July 16th to Wednesday, July 17th.
The very eventful day began with a courtesy call by the celebrant, his wife and his enthusiastic entourage on the Vice Chancellor of Coal City University, Prof Afam Icha Ituma, who, unavoidably absent, was represented by Prof Emeka Igwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the great institution. Other members of management staff of the school, including the Registrar, Bursar, the University Librarian, the Director, Academic Programmes, the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, to mention but a few, were on hand to join the DVC in receiving the August visitors.
During the visit, the tone for the two-day event was set and the Coal City University team treated the visitors to the culture of hospitality; a trait which the citadel of learning is popular for.
And, flagging off the conference in the state-of-the-art auditorium of the University, the Vice Chancellor of Coal City University, Prof Afam Icha Ituma, giving his welcome remarks online, lauded the invaluable achievements of the celebrating Professor in the world of academics.
Prof Nwajiuba
Describing the celebrant as a great achiever, he expressed unreserved optimism that the conference would fruitfully achieve its set goals.
The Co-Chairmen of the occasion, Prof B.E.B. Nwoke and Prof Abel Ezeoha, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of AEFUNAI, respectively delivered their opening remarks, both, harping on the aptness of the ventilation of climate issues, both, also, commending the celebrant for choosing to commemorate his Diamond Jubilee anniversary, academically.
The Special Guest of Honour, Ambassador Chris Maiyaki, the acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, in his remarks, offered felicitations to the celebrant and Coal City University, on behalf of the NUC, giving insights on the new curriculum regime in the Nigerian tertiary institutions.
After remarks by the Chairman of the Conference Organising Committee, Dr. Robert Onyeneke, good will messages were rendered by notable Nigerians such as, Prof Sunday Elom, Vice Chancellor of FUNAI; Prof Christopher Eze, VC, University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Umuagwo; Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie, VC, Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Ideato, Nigeria and Prof Andy Ogochukwu Egwnyenga, Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, Abraka.
The climax of this session of the two-day event came with the cutting of the cake by the celebrant who, flanked by his dear wife and a host of other dignatories, gave a spirit-lifting response to the goodwill messages heaped on him, afterwards.
Done with that, keynote addresses were given by men of timber and calibre in various fields and disciplines.
Hon. Sam Onuigbo, a former Member of the Federal House of Representatives, taking the first shot, delivered an incisive keynote address, titled, ‘Climate Act: Implications for Climate Change’, an act initiated by him while a member of the Nigerian green chamber.
The second keynote address, titled ‘Is Green Hydrogen a Viable Solution for Nigeria, was presented by Prof. Kehinde Ogunjobi.
Dr Noel Biodun Saliu dwelt on the topic: ‘The Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards: The Role of the National Universities Commission in Mainstreaming Climate Change Mitigation and Justice in University Education in Nigeria.
Futhermore, Dr. Augustine Njamanshi, wrapping up the keynote address session, delivered the topic, ‘Integrating a Transitional Justice Approach into Climate Finance Negotiation: A Clarion Call for True Climate Justice’.
After a lunch break, two policy sessions were held, with both becoming very, very, interesting, interactive and engaging.
The first session, titled, “Synthesising Policy, Research and Civil Actions on Climate Justice was handled by Prof. J. Mbanasor, Prof C Ukaga, Prof C.C. Eze, Prof I.A. Achike and Prof. A.A. Yakubu.
However, in the second policy session titled, “Synthesising Policy Research and Civil Actions on Energy Transition, Prof E.C. Eboh, Prof, O.A. Omotesho, Prof J. Lemchi, Dr. O.A Olajide, Prof K. Yangobi and Prof. N. Chukwuone held sway.
After a question and answer session which made the entire event even more interactive, a vote of thanks was presented by Chukwuemeka Emenekwe to bring the day one of the conference to a close.
The day 2 of the conference which began with a recap of the previous day’s event saw the policy session panelists submitting their policy briefs.
Then, a long list of researchers in various aspects of Climate Change took turns to make their scientific paper presentations in a session that held participants spellbound with papers presented on a wide range of areas: agriculture, literature, engineering , e.t.c. as they correlate with climate change.
Sir Dr. Chinedu Ani, the Chancellor of Coal City University, Enugu, was among the notable personalities that attended the engaging birthday cum academic celebration.
Coal City University To The World…!!!
Ejike Okpe, MRO, CCU.
