Nigeria’s education and business communities are preparing to celebrate the 100th birthday of Emeritus Professor Otonti Nduka, a towering figure in African education and a champion of values-based learning, with a grand two-day event beginning Friday, May 8th.
The celebration, hosted at the Rivers State University auditorium, will bring together over 1,500 attendees including vice-chancellors, policymakers, academics, and industry leaders, recognising Prof. Nduka’s enduring impact on intellectual rigour, moral education, and nation-building.
He was recently recognised as a Distinguished Professor of the Century by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and previously served as President of the Nigeria Academy of Education.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, will be the Special Guest of Honour, alongside Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour, Governor Siminialayi Fubara.
A key highlight of the event will be a keynote address delivered by renowned economist and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Kingsley Moghalu.
His speech, titled “Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values Education in Nigeria,” will address the erosion of ethical foundations in the face of globalisation and technological advancements, advocating for curriculum reforms focused on integrity, critical thinking, and cultural resilience – principles central to Prof. Nduka’s life work.
The celebration will also see the launch of the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education Endowment Fund, aiming to raise N5 billion for scholarships, teacher training, and research centres dedicated to values education across Nigerian universities.
Engr. Grant Offor, Chairman of the Ramec Group of Companies, will serve as Chief Launcher, demonstrating a growing commitment from the private sector to educational philanthropy.
“This centenary is not just a birthday; it’s a national reckoning with the values that define our progress,” stated Prof. Hilary Wordu, spokesperson for the Otonti Nduka Centenary Committee.
Prof. Nduka, a pioneer in values education in post-colonial Africa and author of influential works like The Foundations of Social Order and Ethics in Education, has profoundly shaped educational policies and mentored generations of leaders.
Distinguished legal luminary Dr. Kanu Agabi, SAN, former Attorney General of the Federation, will also share personal anecdotes during the event.
The program includes a national conference on May 8th focusing on “Reviving Values in a Digital Age” and “Ethical Leadership for National Development,” followed by a cultural celebration on May 9th featuring music, dance, and a gala dinner.
The unveiling of Prof. Nduka’s centenary portrait and the launch of his curated anthology on Nigerian educational philosophy are also planned.
As Nigeria grapples with issues of corruption and inequality, the celebration underscores a renewed focus on values education as a vital component of national progress, with Prof. Nduka’s life serves as a beacon of adaptive leadership and moral fortitude.
