Prof. Otunta’s Death Painful, Heartbreaking — Ikpeazu Griefs

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has expressed sadness over the death of the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Professor Francis Otunta in a ghastly motor accident on Tuesday, 30th March 2021.

Governor Ikpeazu describes the death of Professor Otunta as painful and heartbreaking.

“Professor Otunta was one of Nigeria’s finest mathematicians and educational administrators. In the area of managing the affairs of tertiary institutions, he was one of the most experienced in the country having served as Rector of the Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic Unwana Afikpo and later as Vice-Chancellor at MOUAU” a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onyebuchi Ememanka on Tuesday quoted the governor as saying.

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According to the Governor, “Professor Otunta was a well rounded academic who showed great respect to fellow academics. He supported and allowed me to lead a Research Team in Biochemistry at the University, even as Governor”.

“Perhaps, his most enduring legacy, in my view, is that he shared and respected my position as Governor of Abia State that an indigene of the State should succeed him as Vice-Chancellor of that University. This shared philosophy gave birth to the emergence of a son of Abia State, Professor Madu Iwe as the current Vice-Chancellor of the University, something for which I will remain grateful”.

The statement added that governor Ikpeazu, on behalf of the Government and People of Abia State sends his deep condolences to the family of the Late Professor, the Government and People of Ebonyi State, and the entire academic community in Nigeria on this huge loss.

He also prayed the Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest and console his family.