VC pays tribute as UNIZIK holds Commendation Service for late Prof. Patrick Sunday Aguh
Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, has paid glowing tributes to the legacy of the late Prof. Patrick Aguh of the Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, whose official burial activities commenced on Monday.
Speaking during the solemn commendation service held in honour of the deceased at the University auditorium on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor, represented by the Director of Academic Planning, Prof . Angela Nwogor Ufele-Obiesie, acknowledged the contributions of the late Prof. Agu to the university in the areas of teaching, research and mentorship.
She conveyed the sincere condolences of the Vice-Chancellor to the family noting that people are bound to experience moments of grief regardless of their circumstances. She encouraged the family, friends, and colleagues of the late professor to take heart and find strength during this difficult time even as she acknowledged the ephemeral nature of life.
“On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, I want us to understand that if you are a Senator, one day there will be a Senate meeting and you will be absent. If you are a lecturer and enjoy teaching, one day a lecture will be going on and you will be absent, etc. When we understand that one day we will be absent from this life, we must humble ourselves and always do what is right. What will follow us to eternity is nothing but our righteousness, our goodness, and the love we have for each other. Our certificates or properties will not follow us” she said.
Earlier, the presiding cleric during the service, Engr.Rev. Dr. Chidozie Nwakire described the deceased as a very level-headed man, a very meek and gentle man of few words but always committed to his duties. He said that the mourning period is a time to encourage the family to be strong in the Lord.
Quoting the book of John 14, he urged the mourners not to allow their hearts to be troubled as the Lord has promised not to leave them fatherless. He urged the family to trust God in all situations no matter what life brings their way pointing out that those living today are just pilgrims on earth passing through a process.
The commendation service was organised as a mark of final respect for the deceased scholar by members of the academic community. The service reflects a long-standing tradition within the institution, where distinguished professors are honoured by colleagues and students for their contributions to academia and society.
The service was attended by the academia, students, and well-wishers who gathered to pay their last respects and celebrate the life and legacy of Prof. Aguh Patrick Sunday.
The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo announced the burial arrangements holding at the deceased’s hometown, Nimo, Njikoka local government area, Anambra state on Thursday.
The commendation service also featured the laying of a wreath by the Vice-Chancellor.