UNIZIK Community Pays Final Respects as Primary School Teacher, Comrade Chinemerem Uzoma, Is Laid to Rest
The remains of Comrade Chinemerem Uzoma, a dedicated teacher at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, Awka, were laid to rest on Friday, 10 July 2026, in his hometown of Amaokpara, Nkwere Local Government Area of Imo State.
Comrade Uzoma, who passed away after a brief illness at the age of 49, was remembered by family, colleagues, friends and members of the University Community as a committed educator, devoted Christian and responsible family man whose life of service touched many.
Delivering the sermon during the funeral service at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Amaokpara, the officiating minister, Venerable Emmanuel Obasi, described death as an inevitable end that awaits every mortal. He urged the congregation to live righteous and purposeful lives in obedience to God’s commandments and in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, who conquered death through His resurrection.
The cleric described the late Mr. Uzoma as a faithful church member who dedicated his life to serving God and humanity. While expressing regret over his passing at a relatively young age, he reminded mourners not to question the will of God but to remain steadfast in faith.
In a condolence message conveyed on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, the bereaved family was assured of the University’s continued support during their moment of grief. The Vice-Chancellor described Comrade Uzoma’s death as a painful loss to the University Community, the Primary School, the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), the Primary School Governing Board and the entire staff, while urging friends, colleagues and relatives to continue standing by the family.
At the graveside, the eldest son of the deceased, Master Chidibum Uzoma, delivered an emotional tribute, describing the death of his father as a painful burden he would bear alongside his mother and younger siblings. He recounted the events leading to his father’s passing and described him as the family’s teacher, mentor, adviser and guardian.
“I am proud to be your son. Au revoir, mon père,” he declared.
Leading members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), UNIZIK Branch, in a solidarity song at the graveside, the Branch Chairperson, Comrade Anthonia Chukwudi, described the late Comrade Uzoma as a committed union member who rarely missed meetings and consistently made meaningful contributions to union deliberations, especially on matters affecting staff of the Primary School.
Also speaking, the Headmistress of UNIZIK Primary School, Mrs. Ifeacho Elizabeth Uju, described the deceased as one of the school’s finest teachers whose dedication and commitment to duty would be greatly missed. She prayed God to grant the family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
In his vote of thanks, the elder brother of the deceased, Dr. Charles Uzoma, expressed profound appreciation to all who identified with the family during their period of mourning. He described his brother’s death as a deep wound to the family and prayed for God’s protection and safe journey for everyone who attended the burial.
Among those present were representatives of Nzuko Imo, UNIZIK Branch led by its Chairman, Mr. Silas Nnadozie; the UNIZIK Primary School Governing Board led by King Ezediaso Anyichie; the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) led by its Chairman, Pastor Samuel Idowu; colleagues, friends, fellow teachers, associates and members of the University Community.
Comrade Chinemerem Uzoma is survived by his wife, four children and his aged mother.