MOUAU Mourns Pioneer Lecturer, Prof. Avoaja

The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) has mourned the death of one of its pioneer lecturers, Prof. Diane Akudo Avoaja, who was buried on Thursday following a funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Amaiyi Nvosi, in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State.

Prof. Avoaja was among the pioneer academic staff who joined the university when it commenced operations in 1994 and was remembered for her contributions to the institution’s early development, academic achievements and mentorship of students.

Speaking at the funeral Mass, the Head of the Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, MOUAU, Dr. Okore Oghale Obohgheneujewoma, described the late professor as a compassionate academic who always looked for the good in people.

Oghale said Prof. Avoaja played a significant role in the university’s formative years, recalling that she delivered what was described as the institution’s first lecture to 100-level Biology students, with a lecture on Cell Biology.

She said, “When the university started in 1994, she was one of the pioneer staff. To kick-start the university as an academic institution, she delivered the first lecture of the university to 100-level Biology students on Cell Biology.

“This etched her name in the annals of the university’s history and underscored her pioneering spirit. She was more than a mother, a tutor and a dear colleague to all of us at MOUAU. She was a quintessential professor, gentle and friendly.”

In his homily, the Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, Rev. Fr. Casmir Uzosike, said Prof. Avoaja made a lasting impact through her academic work, character and commitment to mentoring younger people.

According to him, the late professor used her words, wisdom and experience to shape the lives of generations of students.

“Prof. Avoaja taught life through her words and mentored generations of students who benefited from her wealth of wisdom, discipline and experience,” he said.

Also speaking on behalf of the Knights of Saint John International (KSJI), Commandery 533, and Ladies Auxiliary 467, Eziukwu Aba, the Respected President, Lady Ijeoma Onyeagba, described Prof. Avoaja as a woman whose few words carried considerable meaning.

Onyeagba said her advice and admonitions often influenced people positively and encouraged them to bring out the best in themselves.

The funeral was attended by the Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, members of the Knights and Ladies of Saint John International from various commanderies, as well as students, academics and other members of the MOUAU community.

Family members, friends, associates and other sympathisers also gathered to honour the deceased and pay their final respects.

The funeral rites included the blessing of Prof. Avoaja’s remains by Bishop Echema before her interment.

Her death has been widely mourned within the MOUAU community, where she is remembered for her pioneering role in the university’s establishment, academic contributions and mentorship of students and younger colleagues.

By Chinedu Kelechi, Aba

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