Nigeria's Education and Business Sectors to Celebrate Professor Nduka's Centenary

Nigeria's education and business communities will converge on Friday, May 8, at the Rivers State University auditorium for a significant two-day centenary celebration honouring Emeritus Professor Otonti Nduka. Professor Nduka is widely recognized as a leading figure in African education and a staunch advocate for learning grounded in strong values.

The organizers have planned panel discussions focusing on critical contemporary issues: "Reviving Values in a Digital Age" and "Ethical Leadership for National Development."

Professor Nduka, who was previously named a Distinguished Professor of the Century by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and also served as the former President of the Nigeria Academy of Education, will have his 100th birthday marked by events highlighting his lasting impact on intellectual scholarship, moral education, and the advancement of the nation.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is scheduled to attend as the Special Guest of Honour, with Governor Siminialayi Fubara serving as the Chief Host.

The event is expected to draw prominent individuals from academia, government, the corporate world, and civil society, underscoring Professor Nduka's broad influence across generations.

"This centenary is more than just a birthday commemoration; it represents a national moment to reflect on the foundational values that drive our progress," stated Professor Hilary Wordu, the spokesperson for the Otonti Nduka Centenary Committee and an organizer of the event.

Professor Kingsley Moghalu, a distinguished economist and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), will deliver the keynote address. Titled "Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values Education in Nigeria," his speech will critically examine the erosion of ethical standards in the face of globalization, technological shifts, and socio-political instability. He is expected to propose curriculum reforms that prioritize integrity, critical thinking, and cultural resilience – principles central to Professor Nduka's educational philosophy.

Engr. Grant Offor, Chairman of the Ramec Group of Companies, will lead the launch of the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education Endowment Fund. This initiative aims to raise N5 billion to support scholarships, teacher training programs, and research centres dedicated to values education across Nigerian universities. Engr. Offor's participation signifies growing private sector commitment to educational philanthropy.

"Professor Nduka instilled in us the understanding that true prosperity begins with character development," Engr. Offor remarked, also pledging his company's expertise for the project's sustainable execution.

Among the distinguished guests will be legal icon Dr. Kanu Agabi, SAN, a former Attorney General of the Federation, who will share insights from his extensive career.

Professor Nduka, who obtained his PhD from the University of Ibadan and held significant positions at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was a pioneer in advocating for values education across post-colonial Africa. His influential publications, such as "The Foundations of Social Order" and "Ethics in Education," have shaped policies aimed at integrating moral philosophy into both science and arts curricula. He continues to mentor leaders involved in Nigeria's education sector, moral development, ethics, and governance reforms.