Eastern Nigeria Merit Awards honours UNIZIK DVC Prof. Alex Asigbo

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Alex Chinwuba Asigbo, has been honoured with the Eastern Nigeria Merit Award of Excellence in recognition of his immense contributions to educational advancement and societal development in Nigeria.

Prof. Asigbo, a Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies, was honoured alongside other distinguished personalities during the 6th edition of the Eastern Nigeria Merit Awards held on Sunday at Best Western Meloch Hotel, Awka, with the theme, “Inspiring growth.”

Speaking during the event, the National Coordinator of the organisation, Prince Ikechi Okereke, explained that the awards were instituted to celebrate individuals, groups, and organisations that have distinguished themselves in their various fields and contributed meaningfully to the growth and standardisation of activities within the Eastern region.

According to him, Prof. Asigbo emerged as one of the star awardees owing to his sterling pedigree, professional accomplishments, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence and human capacity development.

“Prof. Asigbo has demonstrated uncommon dedication in the education sector and has continued to inspire excellence through his professional engagements and contributions to society,” he stated.

Reacting after receiving the award, Prof. Asigbo expressed gratitude to the organisers for recognising his efforts and reaffirmed his commitment to the advancement of learning, knowledge sharing, and societal transformation through education.

He dedicated the award to individuals striving for excellence and described the honour as both an inspiration and a challenge to continue motivating younger generations, especially in the area of education.

“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,” he said.

The university administrator further stressed that material wealth should not be regarded as the ultimate measure of success, noting that values such as moral upbringing, equity, fairness, and societal impact remain critical ingredients for nation-building.

“For some people like us, wealth is not the greatest measure of life. Other things motivate us more, such as building a better society, moral upbringing, equity, fairness and other virtues.

“In the business world, most times, 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 society and nation builders,” he added.

Earlier in his keynote address, Rev. Fr. Prof. Dominic Obielosi spoke extensively on the importance of growth, discipline, and purposeful living.

He highlighted 12 common types of growth and urged participants to reject negative mindsets and complacency.

He encouraged youths and professionals alike not to allow their God-given talents to waste away but to remain focused on fulfilling their purpose in life.

According to him, delayed gratification and discipline remain major distinguishing factors between success and failure.

Another speaker at the event, Sylvanus Okpor, also emphasised the importance of discipline and excellence as pathways to sustainable growth.

He described discipline as the foundation of growth, while excellence remains its hallmark, stressing that genuine success requires commitment, consistency, and patience.

“Many admire success, but few commit to the process. Excellence and growth are not a one-day affair but a daily commitment,” he noted.

The recognition of Prof. Asigbo attracted several dignitaries and members of the university community, including a member of the Governing Council, Engr. Iyke Onwuemene; the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji; former Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Stan Udedi; and Prof. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, among others.

The event served as a platform to celebrate excellence, inspire growth, and encourage individuals across various sectors to continue contributing positively to societal development.