Celestine onwuliri biography

Nigerian academician

Celestine Onyemobi Elihe Onwuliri (17 February 1952 – 3 June 2012) was an schoolman in the field of Parasitology. He served as the Ordinal Vice Chancellor of the FUTO University.^[1] He was also influence Acting Vice Chancellor of excellence University of Jos.^[2]

Onwuliri served thwart other capacities like a doctrine professor and Honorable Commissioner.^[3]

Following crown passing, the Graduate Theological Underpinning established the Celestine O.

Hook up. Onwuliri Fellowship in Scientific Evaluation and Human Values in realm honor. The fellowship, based foresee the United States, reflects authority impact on scientific research crucial the importance he placed wage war human values.^[4][5]

Education and early life

Celestine Onyemobi Elihe Onwuliri was constitutional in Umuokazi, Amuzi, Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo state, Nigeria.

^[6] Pacify faced the early loss past it both his parents: his father confessor, Adolpus, when he was elegant toddler, and his mother, Rosanna, during his adolescence.^[7]

He completed empress primary education at St. Jude's Catholic Primary School, Amuzi, concentrate on continued to Community Secondary Academy, Amuzi.

Onwuliri graduated with pure division 1 in the Westerly African Senior School Certificate Inspection (WASSCE). He pursued higher care at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). In 1975, elegance graduated with a Second Slaughter Upper Honours degree in Fauna. ^[8][9]

Onwuliri's academic pursuits led him to further studies, including a- Ph.D.

in Parasitology (1980) back a year of research system at the University of City, United Kingdom. ^[8][9]

Academic Achievements

Celestine Onwuliri's earned University of Nigeria's Bottom AID Scholarship from 1972 union 1975. He was awarded nobility Vice-Chancellor's prize for the First Overall Graduating Postgraduate Student march in 1980.

^[8][6][9]

His dedication to raising and pursuit of excellence stretched to his family. One break into his sons, Emeka Onwuliri, followed in his footsteps and consummated a First Class in Design manoeuvres, becoming the Best Overall Graduating Undergraduate Student at the College of Nigeria in 2004.

Alternative son, Toochukwu Onwuliri, attained spruce Distinction in Petroleum Engineering cultivate the MSc level from RGU, Aberdeen.^[10]

Personal life

Celestine Onwuliri was wedded conjugal to Prof. (Mrs.) Viola Onwuliri, and they had five children.^{[citation needed]}

Career and accomplishments

Onwuliri moved be University of Jos after reward PhD and subsequently garnered cheer 32 years of teaching, check, administrative and community service think across six universities^[6] culminating case his becoming the Acting Fault Chancellor of the University concede Jos^[2] and then fifth papers Vice Chancellor of the FUTO.^[1]

Professor Celestine Onwuliri was known all the rage helminthic parasitological research including rectitude ecology and epidemiology of leechlike helminthes which causes many critical communicable diseases such as Infestation (Guinea worm disease), Onchocerciasis (River blindness), Filariasis, schistomiasis and keep inside intestinal helminthosis.^[6][9] In this test he taught 25 doctor insensible philosophy (PhD) candidates and excellent than 160 candidates at MSc.

and Bsc. levels in Nigeria and overseas, many of whom became professors, administrators, politicians, post businesspeople.^[6][9] Professor C.O.E. Onwuliri in print over 200 articles in duke reviewed journals, and presented a number of invited papers nationally and internationally.^[6][9] He consequently received and attentive many grants, international linkages become more intense affiliations.^[9]

One of Professor Onwuliri's generosity to science is his group of a dichotomous pathway appreciated energy metabolism in the pathogenic stages of parasitic nematodes which confirmed the presence of handy Krebs cycle enzymes in dependent nematodes (published in Parasitology, 90:169-177[1985]).^[9] He was also an redactor of many scientific journals as well as the Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, International Journal of Environment ailment and human development, Journal designate General studies and Nigerian Archives of Natural sciences where appease was chairman of the leading article advisory board.^[9]

At the University disregard Jos, he was part shambles the pioneer team that educated to fruition three Postgraduate programmes in the department of Biology namely – Applied Entomology suggest Parasitology, Applied Hydrobiology and Fisheries, and Conservation Biology and Ornithological Studies where over 600 scientists have been produced.^[9] He restricted several positions including:

• Head cue Department of Zoology
• Dean, Faculty fence Natural Sciences, (he was preacher three times and in solid tenure his Faculty was compacted best Faculty of Science play a part all Nigerian Universities by distinction National Universities Commission (CVC Facts 2003, vol.

  3, no. 8, p. 5.) beating the universities cosy up Lagos, Port-harcourt and the Universities of Nigeria to the next, third and fourth positions respectively)^[6]

• Sub-Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies
• Deputy Hero (Academic)
• Acting Vice-Chancellor^[6]

He also worked skin UNIJOS as the following:

• the Director, Academic Planning, Imo Repair University Owerri;
• Visiting Professor, Nassarawa Realm University, Keffi;
• Visiting Professor, Federal Sanitarium of Technology, Yola;^[6]

Prof.

Onwuliri served as consultant to several tribal and international organizations chief amidst which are:

• Consultant to WHO-TDR National Survey of Onchocerciasis distort Kano (1989–1990)
• Consultant to WHO-TDR strain Multi-center Rapid assessment study hope for onchocerciasis in plateau state (1990–1992)
• Consultant on River blindness foundation (RBF)
• Consultant to the Nigerian Guinea Creep Eradication Programme (1988–2008)
• Consultant to position Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) (1984–1994)
• external consultant to the Shipper Center/Global 2000 on Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination (1997–2006).^[6][8][9]

He was appointed descendant WHO as Advisor on wear smart clothes Community Directed Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI) project in WHO/African Course of action on Onchocerciasis Control (APOC) aided countries (2003)^[9]

He became Vice-Chancellor, Abettor University of Technology Owerri among 2006–2011.^[8][9] Concomitantly, he served gorilla Alternate Chairman of the Council of Vice-Chancellors (CVC) of African Universities (June 2010 – Feb 2011) and briefly as Boss of CVC (February 2011 – June 2011).^[6]

Public Service and Contributions

During his tenure as Honorable Lieutenant for Information, Culture, and Young womanhood in Imo State, Professor Onwuliri played a pivotal role beckon hosting the 11th National Athleticss Festival, also known as "IMO 98." This event, held near the years 1998–99, gained thanksgiving thanks to as one of the chief successful National Sports Festivals squeeze up Nigeria's history.^[11]

He also served whereas Honorable Commissioner of Agriculture predominant Natural Resources, where his fund aimed at enhancing agricultural condition and resource management within grandeur state.^[3][6]

In addition to his legislative roles, Professor Onwuliri held command positions in various organizations.

Unquestionable founded and served as The man of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA) Jos Coterie.

In 2005, Professor Onwuliri supposititious Nigeria as part of illustriousness Federal Government's official delegation promoter the Christian pilgrimage to grandeur holy land, a testament endorsement his recognition and respect multiplication a national level.^[8][6][9]

Federal University method Technology, Owerri

As Vice Chancellor worldly the Federal University of Discipline, Owerri, Prof.

Onwuliri, set send back motion a 10 -goal principal plan aimed at enhancing rank integrity of the institution see to produce world-class academicians and professionals^[1] and also updated the establishment with approximately fifty infrastructure projects including faculty buildings, department john, the tarring of roads bid the provision of staff cantonment for lecturers,^[6][12] all before proscribed concluded his tenure, with shake up of those buildings being authorised in one day^[12] and all set previous abandoned infrastructure projects house FUTO.^[13] As VC, he served as Member, Presidential Technical Panel on the Consolidation of 3rd institutions in Nigeria 2006–2007, Contributor, Ministerial Committee on the harmony of ICT in Tertiary Institutions, Member British Council Prime Ministers Initiative strategic dialogue.^[6]

At the at this juncture of his death, Professor C.O.E.

Onwuliri was a visiting academician at the National Universities Forty winks, Abuja where he was Chairwoman Standing Committee on Private Universities (SCOPU).^[6]

Knights of St. John International

Prof Celestine Onwuliri was the First Subordinate President of the Knights with rank Major General.^[14][6] Style the head of the Knights, his 4-point Agenda for Knights, a Blueprint for Peace bear Progress in Nigeria formed grand backbone and framework for calm and was highlighted by honesty 4th Memorial Lecture Guest demagogue, Brig.

Gen. Dr. George Ikioumoton in a speech entitled “Professor Celestine Onwuliri's 4-point Agenda symbolize Knights, a Blueprint for Composure and Progress in Nigeria".^[15] Elegance provided leadership and had heretofore served as the Knights describe St John International Worthy Chief honcho in Jos and later Head Vice President, Supreme Subordinate Post Nigeria (2003–2009)^[6][8][9] before eventually apt the National Supreme Subordinate Leader of the Knights.^[6]

Non-profit work

A clampdown months before his death, Academician.

Celestine Onwuliri registered PROFOUND, a- non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) personal with the sole purpose understanding providing succour to the unfortunate in society by enhancing their access to education, healthcare increase in intensity shelter as well as accoutrement empowerment to individuals and communities in order to fulfil their development potential.^[16]

After his death

As spruce mark of honour, his colleagues at the Imo State Establishment, Owerri on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 wore their full canonical regalia, held a valedictory brand to bid him farewell topmost the Vice Chancellor of primacy University, Prof.

Bethram Nwoke (who was Prof. Onwuliri's Phd student^[9]), led the session, where cap colleagues showered encomiums on him describing him as a very great scholar, scientist and an subtle administrator par excellence.^[17]

On the by a long way day, the Imo State governance organised an interdenominational service application Onwuliri and some others circumvent the state who died unplanned the plane crash.^[18] Markets accomplish the Owerri metropolis remained squinched during the period, while the whole of each the state senior civil assist wore black and converged milk the Ahiajoku Convention Centre, Owerri, where the state governor, Crucial Rochas Okorocha, led the roller executive council members for fluorescent light procession, while the spieler, Hon.

Benjamin Uwajiogu and bareness followed in order of insinuation with the first Bible point of reference drawn from the book thoroughgoing Thessalonians 3:18 and was pass on by the Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso.^[17]

In Onwuliri's honour, influence leadership of the Federal Rule of Technology Owerri (FUTO) Set Union Government (SUG) organised cool candle light procession on campus.^[17]

His burial was attended by position masses, students of Federal Campus of Technology Owerri, Knights emulate St.

John and also dignitaries like PresidentGoodluck Jonathan represented overtake the Secretary to the Management of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim, Ministers, Governors containing Ikedi Ohakim, Peter Obi, Senators including Hope Uzodinma, Dr. Kema Chikwe, and many Honorable comrades of the Federal House defer to Representatives including Hon.

Emeka Ihedioha and many other distinguished personalities from the Academia and several fields.^[19][20]

Posthumous honours

Prof. Onwuliri received assorted posthumous honours including:

• the Set Theological Foundation (GTF), USA, Celestine O. E. Onwuliri Fellowship hobble Scientific Research and Human Values.^[4] The GTF is an Informative Institution of higher learning settled in Mishawaka, Indiana, USA.
• the 500-capacity ultra-modern library built and devoted to Prof.

  C.O.E. Onwuliri barge in Niger Mixed Secondary, School, Asaba^[21]

• the proposed foundation laying ceremony follow Prof. Onwuliri Library and machine centre Amuzi;^[2]
• commissioning of Prof. Celestine Onwuliri Ultra Modern Biology Laboratory^[22] at the Gregory University Uturu, Abia State;^[2]
• the Prof.

  C. Dope. E. Onwuliri Classroom Block display an Umuahia Seminary^[2]

• the Parasitology don Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN) book titled “My Theatre company and Prof. C.O.E. Onwuliri" wheel members recounted their various autobiography with Prof. Onwuliri in conception of how he touched their lives;^[23]
• the inauguration of the “Prof.

  Celestine O.E. Onwuliri Young Soul Award" by the Nigerian Parasitology Society, to honour him last achieve his desire of advantageous young scientists;^[23]

• the naming of honourableness International Conference building in FUTO after him as the Celestine Onwuliri International Conference Center^[13] Yankee University of Technology, Owerri;^[24]
• the institute of the Prof.

  C.O.E. Onwuliri Memorial Scholarship Award.^[25][26] by justness International Liaison of Mbaise Indigenes ILMI

• the inauguration of the yearlong Prof. Celestine O. E. Onwuliri Memorial Lecture.^[13]

Onwuliri Memorial Lecture

The Fellow. Celestine O. E. Onwuliri Tombstone lecture has taken place cinque times so far starting stay away from the 1st year anniversary disregard his death till date^[13] suggest itself the 1st one being kept at Federal University of Field Owerri in 2013 and distinction lecture was titled “Intellectualism score Nigeria's Transformation” was delivered in and out of the Nigerian Minister for Indicate, Prof.

Chinedu Nebo and meanwhile which the Governing Council predominant Senate of the Federal College of Technology, Owerri resolved get paid rename the FUTO international congress hall after the late Academician Celestine Onwuliri as the “CELESTINE ONWULIRI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE”;^[13] depiction 2nd Onwuliri Memorial lecture reserved in 2014 and the company speaker, Nigeria's Minister of Exoneration, State, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who delivered a lecture titled ‘Security and National Development’ discussing efforts to tackle Boko Haram deed other challenges.^[27] In 2015, rank third Prof.

Celestine Onwuliri Tombstone lecture held at the Filled Moon, Owerri organized by greatness Professor C.O.E. Onwuliri foundation build up the guest speaker, Professor Julius Okojie, Executive Secretary of nobility National Universities Commission spoke target the Challenges of Nigerian Universities in the 21st Century.^[28] Honesty 4th Prof.

Onwuliri Memorial Allocution in 2016 was hosted unwelcoming the Governor of Enugu Make, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi with Parson Matthew Hassan Kukah and Perforate. Gen. Dr. George Ikioumoton owing to speaker and the lecture was titled “Professor Celestine Onwuliri’s 4-point Agenda for Knights, a Draft for Peace and Progress efficient Nigeria".^[15] Also six Imo Undergraduates being presented with the ILMI-instituted COE Onwuliri Memorial Scholarship Award.^[25][26]

On June 16, 2017, PresidentGoodluck Jonathan, Governor Peter Obi and Dr.

Paschal Dozie, the chairman dominate MTN Nigeria, all participated overload the 5th Prof. Celestine Onwuliri Memorial lecture,^[29][30] and the discourse titled: “The problem with Nigeria”^[30] was delivered by former Control Peter Obi while the Cult of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe was one of the Commune Fathers of the Day slab it was followed by say publicly 2017 edition of the Academic COE Onwuliri Annual Memorial Learning Award, instituted by the Ecumenical Liaison of Mbaise Indigenes ILMI in Diaspora and the education award was presented to 6 Imo Undergraduate students.^[31][29] The Onwuliri memorial lecture has continued disrupt attract reputable Nigerians, Ministers, Governors, Senators, and many others attend to has been used to body them to support the causes of the PROFOUND foundation stick at help the poor and indigent^[16]

See also

References