UNIZIK DVC Prof. Asigbo bags Eastern Nigeria Merit Award of Excellence
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Alex Chinwuba Asigbo has been honoured by the Eastern Nigeria Merit Awards for his contributions to educational advancement in Nigeria.
Asigbo, a Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies was honoured alongside other awardees across different categories during the 6th edition of the Eastern Nigeria Merit Awards held on Sunday, May 17th, 2026 at Best Western Meloch Hotel, Awka. with the theme “Inspiring Growth”
National Coordinator of the organisation, Prince Ikechi Okereke in a remark explained that the Eastern Nigeria Merit Awards are designed to celebrate individuals, groups, and organisations that have distinguished themselves in their respective fields of specialisation and contributed immensely to the standardisation of activities within the Eastern Region.
He disclosed that Prof. Asigbo was shortlisted as a Star Awardee of the event because of his personal pedigree and the heights he has attained in his professional career trajectory.
Speaking after receiving the award, Prof. Asigbo thanked the organisers for the recognition. He said that as an educationist, he remains committed to the advancement of the ideals of learning, knowledge sharing and contributions to society in general.
“I dedicate this award to all who go after excellence. It is a challenge, inspiration and encouragement to continue to inspire the younger generation especially in the area of education.
“For some people like us, wealth is not the greatest measure of life. Other things motivate us more-how you are building a better society, moral upbringing, equity, fairness and other virtues. In the business world, most of the time, some of these virtues don’t count. But for us as teachers, our focus is on education, how to recognise teachers because they are the moulders of the society, the nation builders” he stated.
Earlier, the keynote speakers, Rev. Fr. Prof. Dominic Obielosi spoke about the 12 common types of growth and the need to boycott all forms of negative mindset and avoid complacency in the journey of growth. He charged the audience not to die with treasures God deposited in them but rather to strive to fulfil their purposes on earth. He charged the youths to learn delayed gratification noting that the difference between success and failure is discipline.
Another speaker, Sylvanus Okpor while still talking about discipline and excellence described discipline as the beginning of growth while the hallmark of growth is excellence. He asserted that many admire success but few commit to the process, noting that excellence and growth are not a one-day affair but a daily affair.
Prof Asigbo’s recognition was witnessed by some staff members of the university including a member of the Governing Council, Engr. Iyke Onwuemene; Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji; former Dean of Students Affairs, Prof Stan Udedi mni, and his amiable wife Dr. Lucy Udedi, and Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe among others.