Nsukka varsity honours 66 ex-medicine teachers
FOR their outstanding performances in the field of medicine, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has honoured about 66 retired professors in the field. Some of the former teachers were honoured posthumously.
The University's Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba, who initiated the awards, named Professors Chiedu Nwokolo, Mathias Obiako, Festus Nwako, David Nwafor, Patrick Nwakoby, K. Majorossy, W. O. Chukwudebelu, Raymond Anikwe O. L. V. Ekechi, G.I Izuora, G. Onuaguluchi, C. H. Anyanwu, B. C. Okafor, F. A. Udekwu, among the recipients.
Ozumba explained that the awards were designed to serve as a source of inspiration to younger doctors who are in a hurry to make it, stressing that he did not believe that the rewards for a dedicated worker was only in heaven. "They should begin to reap the fruits of their labour here on earth from members of the society they served".
"I do hope that this recognition will give these eminent scholars and their families joy because it is an award for excellence and very dedicated service to humanity".
The Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, represented at the occasion by former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Enugu Campus), Prof. Jonathan Azubuike, re-stated the commitment of the university to settle benefits due to retired workers. He pointed out that their payments are sometimes delayed when subventions from Federal Government could not come on time.
Azubuike, who was also the chairman of the occasion, commended Ozumba for pioneering the awards for retired doctors and described it as not only unique but visionary.
The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, represented by the Secretary to the state government, Dr. Dan Shere, called on the authorities of the university to find urgent replacements for the several medical giants who have retired. According to him, their departure have created a wide vacuum and posed a serious threat to the realization of the dreams of the UNN College of Medicine as Nigeria's centre of excellence in the field of medicine.
Earlier, in a lecture entitled "preparing for retirement in depressed economy", a renowned professor of Law and former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Enugu Campus), Edwin Nwogugu, urged retirees to find ways of putting their professional skills into active use, to avoid being a burden to anyone and to be able to look after themselves at old age.
Nwogugu, said it was wrong for parents to plan their old age around their children, as such children must have their own problem in running their families and meeting other obligations.
He advised that rather than depending on others, retirees should ensure that they have investments in real or movable property, which would continue to yield dividends. He also warned that such investments should not be left for the banks only.
Nwaogugu said retirees should invest their gratuity well for the rainy day while children who are not employed should be encouraged to be resourceful.
