UNIZIK Hosts 12th Chief Dr. F.C. Ogbalu Memorial Lecture on Igbo Identity, Unity and National Integration
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, hosted the 12th Chief Dr. F.C. Ogbalu Memorial Lecture Series, bringing together distinguished scholars, traditional rulers, public office holders, members of the academic community, and the family of the late Chief Dr. F.C. Ogbalu at the ASUU Secretariat of the University.
The event served as a platform for intellectual discourse on the place of the Igbo people in Nigeria’s governance structure, while also celebrating the enduring legacies of the late Chief Dr. F.C. Ogbalu, a foremost promoter of Igbo language and culture.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, commended the organisers for sustaining the memorial lecture series and preserving the legacies of the late Igbo scholar and linguist. Represented by distinguished Igbo scholar and former Head of the Department of Linguistics, Imo State University, Owerri, Prof. Frances Ngozi Chukwukere, the Ohanaeze President-General described Chief Ogbalu as a visionary whose contributions made the study and preservation of the Igbo language possible for future generations.
He also commended the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, and the University Management for their support towards the successful hosting of the programme. He equally praised the Guest Lecturer and Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Owerri, Prof. Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze (SAN, FCArb), for his commitment to intellectual and cultural advancement.
Senator Azuta-Mbata paid tribute to notable leaders including the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and former Governor Peter Obi for their contributions to governance and the promotion of Igbo values and education.
He further acknowledged the presence and contributions of traditional rulers at the event, including the traditional ruler of Awka, HRH Dr. Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu II), represented by Chief Ken Chukwurah; the traditional ruler of Okpuno, Igwe Engr. S.I. Okafor (Igwe Ogene); and the traditional ruler of Nibo, Dr. Sir S.C. Ngene (Ezeike na Nibo).
Speaking on the theme of Igbo unity and national relevance, the Chairman urged Ndị Igbo to preserve the legacies of Chief Ogbalu and work collectively towards the progress of the Igbo nation. He stressed the need for healing, reconciliation, and unity among the Igbo people, urging them to view one another as partners rather than rivals.
According to him, the Igbo nation possesses immense human capital, including distinguished scholars, administrators, industrialists, entrepreneurs, and political leaders capable of driving meaningful national development. He advocated responsible leadership and followership, while encouraging Igbos to rise above political divisions in pursuit of collective progress.
He also lamented the growing incidences of insecurity, kidnapping, armed robbery, and violence involving some Igbo youths, noting that such acts tarnish the image of the Igbo people. He called on all Igbos to become their brothers’ keepers and support efforts aimed at restoring societal values and peace within Igbo communities.
The Ohanaeze leader further advocated the revival of the Igbo apprenticeship system, describing it as a major pillar of Igbo economic and technological advancement. He also announced that Igbo communities in Edo, Delta, Rivers, Benue, Cross River, and Kogi States had reaffirmed their commitment to the collective Igbo identity.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Prof. Nkoli Mercy Nnyigide, expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for approving and supporting the programme. She recounted how her participation in the 2009 edition of the lecture series as a fresh graduate earned her recognition and eventually paved the way for her academic career.
Prof. Nnyigide encouraged young scholars to take pride in their Igbo heritage and challenged the notion that some academic disciplines are superior to others, stressing that excellence can be achieved in every legitimate profession and field of study.
She also commended the head of the Ogbalu family, Prof. Anthony Ogbalu, for sustaining the family legacy and preserving the memory of the late Chief Dr. F.C. Ogbalu.
Delivering his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. George Onwudiwe, paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Ogbalu for his pioneering contributions to Igbo literary studies and cultural preservation. He urged participants to uphold and sustain the ideals championed by the late scholar.
Declaring the lecture open, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, charged participants to apply the knowledge gained from the programme meaningfully towards societal development. He commended the organisers for conceptualising the initiative and assured them of the continued support of the University Management. The Vice-Chancellor was ably represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Hilda Osisioma.
Delivering the memorial lecture titled, “The Condition and Prospects of the Igbo People in the Governance of Nigeria” (Ọnọdụ na Olileanya Ndị Igbo N’Ọchịchị Ala Naịjiria), the Guest Lecturer and Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Owerri, Prof. Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze (SAN, FCArb), described the Igbo people as resilient, industrious, and highly gifted in commerce, governance, and innovation.
He noted that despite the devastating effects of the Nigerian Civil War and post-war economic policies perceived to be unfavourable to the Igbo people, the Igbo spirit had remained strong and resilient.
Prof. Chukwumaeze regretted that, the post-war policy of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction championed by General Yakubu Gowon on the advice of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was not fully implemented due to prejudice and administrative failures. Nonetheless, he maintained that the Igbo people remain among the strongest advocates of Nigeria’s unity.
The Guest Lecturer praised the republican and democratic traditions of pre-colonial Igbo society, arguing that indigenous governance structures among the Igbos were highly organised even before colonial rule. He observed that the colonial administration undermined these systems through the introduction of indirect rule and warrant chiefs.
He also reflected on the contributions of prominent Igbo figures such as Sir Louis Ojukwu, who exemplified excellence in enterprise, philanthropy, and leadership. According to him, the Igbo people once played dominant roles in both the public and private sectors before the Civil War, but subsequently faced policies that weakened their economic and political influence.
Prof. Chukwumaeze further highlighted the leading role played by Igbos in Nigeria’s nationalist struggle and democratic evolution, recalling historical milestones such as the NPN/NPP Accord of 1979 which produced Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke as Speaker of the House of Representatives and Dr. Alex Ekwueme as Vice President of Nigeria.
He recounted the events surrounding the July 1966 military coup, the pogroms in Northern Nigeria, and the Nigerian Civil War, which led to the deaths and displacement of millions of Igbos. He blamed the war largely on the failure to honour political agreements reached before the conflict.
The lecturer advocated greater inclusion of Igbos in national affairs and called for sincere dialogue and reconciliation to address longstanding grievances. He urged governments at all levels to pursue policies that would foster reintegration, equity, justice, and national cohesion.
Other dignitaries at the event included Emeritus Professors Goddy Onyekonwu, Rob Egwuatu, and Sam Omenyi; Prof. Emma Obidimma; the Provost of the College of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Anthony Ogbalu; Prof. Elochukwu Amucheazi; and Iyom Josephine Anenih.
Also present were Prof. Ebele Nwokoye; Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji, Dean of Student Affairs; the Director of Information and Public Relations, Comrade Alloysius Attah; the representative of the Registrar, Mr. Victor Modebe; Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, community leaders, traditional rulers, members of the Ogbalu family, staff, and students.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to distinguished personalities in recognition of their contributions to society and the promotion of Igbo heritage. Among the award recipients were the traditional ruler of Nibo, Dr. Sir S.C. Ngene (Ezeike na Nibo), and the Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Owerri, who also served as the Guest Lecturer, Prof. Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze (SAN, FCArb), among others. The ceremony was further enlivened by colourful cultural displays which showcased the richness and beauty of Igbo culture and tradition.