Late Prof. Austin Chukwu

Tribute to a Professor of No Mean Repute

TRIBUTE TO A PROFESSOR OF A NO MEAN REPUTE

As the world pays glowing tributes to a professor of a no mean repute; teacher of teachers; an enigmatic and dogged apostle of justice and crusader of equity and fair play, I just have come to the conclusion that just like the parable of the elephant and the blind men, Professor Austin Chukwu’s personality cannot be captured by any single essay or article or indeed a book. A thoroughbred professor that he was, he had a contribution on any matter whatsoever, yet, did not pretend to be omniscient. Despite his versatility, he was patient with his students, no matter how shallow. Prof. was charming and had a friendly disposition that was infectious. In fact, the very day we net for the first time was the day we became friends. He exhibited a high level of humility and expressed himself with so much candour that paralyzed those with hypocritical dispositions around him. Prof. Chukwu is selfless with knowledge, aware that disseminating knowledge would rather enhance human co-existence and contribute to making society a better place. He did not view what God endowed him with as equipment for the suppression of others under him or around. He was a confident man and tried to imbue same in those who came around him. He would chide academics like Socrates of old: “Man, know thyself”. One of the things what irked him when he was around was the display of mediocrity, inferiority and ignorance from those who should be the depository of knowledge in our society. He encouraged those close to him to work hard and become achievers. He was also proud of friends and colleagues’ achievements.

I have not come to terms with the exit of Professor Austin Chukwu, clearly avoiding places that would remind me that I will never see him again.  But this journey is an inevitable one for all mortals, and we must embrace the reality of it being a permanent feature of our existence. Nevertheless, the exit of professor Austin Chukwu is one that has changed the entire concept of FUNAI. Even when he reminded himself of having devoted almost his entire career to canvassing, agitating and advocating for the enthronement of social justice, equity and fair play, Prof, was still one to boldly without abusing any process, attempt to redirect a seeming misstep of an administration. He would not keep quite at bare faced injustice on any staff, and would not condone indolence on the part of any staff. Professor Chukwu was the encyclopedia of due process of the faculty of Humanities, FUNAI. He ensured that the Department of Languages, Linguistics, Literary Studies and Visual Arts of the same university was firmly rooted. Prof. Chukwu impacted so much on those who came close to him that as long as FUNAI remains, he will continue to be remembered and I believe his spirit will continue to guide the footsteps of those who would tread on FUNAI.

Forgetting you is impossible Prof., but we must bid you good-bye; Good night, prof, for you left when the ovation was at its peak; Sleep well prof. for you fought a good fight and gallantly too; Rest in peace prof, for we shall meet again to part no more.

Dr. Onuora Benedict Nweke                                                                                                       (Pioneer Head of Department, Languages, Linguistics, Literary Studies & Visual Arts, FUNAI)

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