News
Pomp As Family, Friends, Unveil Book To Honour Ex-UNILAG DLI Director, Udeani
Family, friends and well wishers of Professor Uchenna Udeani, immediate past Director, Distance Learning Institute, University of Lagos, on Tuesday, converged to unveil a book in her honour, as she bowed out of service.
The unveiling is part of activities lined up for the 70th birthday celebration and formal disengagement of Prof Udeani from the university after meritorious years of service.
Reviewing the book titled: “Digital Transformation in Education; Navigating the New Frontier,” a Festscrift in honour of Professor Uchenna Udeani, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Technology, Innovation and Research) of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Professor Christine Ofulue, stressed the need for improved investment in technology, to further broaden and deepen learners’ engagement for maximum outcome.
Professor Ofulue who stated this in an interview on the sidelines of the occasion, noted that the 706 paged book was filled with frameworks that could be leveraged upon, to turn things around things, in the aspect of technological advancement in the country.
Speaking further, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, noted that the book spoke to all of the dynamics of a digital age, as it affected education.
“This book have about 35 contributions, divided into four sections, namely, STEM, Discipline,Entrepreneurship Pedagogy and one other.
“We had the contributors addressing the issue of digital transformation and at the end of the day, you find out that it is not just one thing; t is not a case of one thing fixed it all.
“So, you cannot just throw tools at students or staff and once they know how to use them, everything has been taken care of.
“Those contributions allowed us to see that for inclusion and equity to be achieved, learning, teaching, assessment and everything that goes with learning, has to be intentionally planned, because you have learners in different contexts,” the don noted.
Analyzing the book further, the deputy vice chancellor added that the book, which have 35 chapters with four sections, was a must read for researchers with interest in the digital transformation space in education.
According to her, it is also for policy makers as the book delved into a number of frameworks, as suggested by the authors.
“it also for practitioners; those who are in the classrooms, looking for strategy and tools on how to deepen learner engagement.
“It will also show them how to support their learners, so that they are not just providing people with content, but helping them to know how to engage with the contents, in a way that will make for easy understanding on how to apply it.
“This will enable them prepare for the future, because we are living in a technology driven world,” she said.
Professor Ofulue described the contributors as intentional in the application of their skills, having come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from Educational Technology, Business and Science Education respectively, among others.
According to her, their contributions made it an interesting experience, noting that they all have their unique approach to the issue of inclusion and how to achieve equity in the midst of what technology is.
“The contributors did well, because it is a huge project and they must have started early. It was well edited, well arranged and I approached it thematically.
“While I was looking at what was being said, I was also looking at the common things, the sections, with the chapters and I saw that they had a lot of things in common, which goes to show that the research was quite sound.
“However, one limitation one limitation is that, it was all focused on the Nigerian context , but it is alright because that was the intention; to find and proffer solutions for the Nigerian population,” she said.
Speaking at the occasion, Hon. Justice Uzo Ndukwe-Anyanwu OFR Justice, Court of Appeal (Rtd) noted that the occasion was not just to celebrate an academic milestone of Prof Udeani, but a life of purpose, excellence and impact.
She noted that the the book reflected the truth beautifully, noting that it was more than a collection of academic essays.
Justice Nujeem-Anyanwu added that the book was a tribute to her influence, mentorship and impact she had within and beyond the academic community.
“Each contribution is a heartfelt thank you and recognition of how her work and her humanity have made a difference.
“Today, as we celebrate her retirement, we are not marking an ending, but the start of a new season. A season of rest, reflection and new beginnings. Her legacy will continue through her students colleagues, this Festschrift and all of us who have been blessed to share life with her,” she stated.
According to her, Udeani is a woman, whose life and work had inspired many and whose legacy will continue to shine for years to come.
“I am filled with emotion not only as someone who has admired Prof. Udeani’s academic brilliance, but as her sibling who has seen her journey up close.
“I have watched her rise early to prepare spectates, spend long nights grading scripts and give her best to shaping young minds, Beyond the degrees, titles and publications , she has always been to me, a person of quiet strength, discipline, steady and deeply compassionate.
“A pillar in our family, who is leading with calm wisdom, listening with patience and giving without expecting anything in return. Her life reminds us that success is not only about what we achieve, but about the life we touch along the way,” the legal expert said.
Also speaking on the event, which also featured the unveiling of the Prof. Uchenna Udeani Foundation, the immediate past Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, said the unveiling marked the beginning of a vision that transcended bricks and mortar, noting that it was the embodiment of dedication, scholarship and service to humanity.
According to him, Udeani, a professor of Science Education had through her life’s work, inspired countless minds and touched innumerable lives.
“Today we gather to honor not only a name, but a legacy; the unveiling of the foundation.
This foundation stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to education, research and the betterment of the society.
“It is a beacon of hope, a platform for nurturing future generations and a reminder that true greatness lies not in what we achieve for ourselves, but in what we build for others.
“As we unveil this foundation, let us also unveil our collective responsibility; to carry forward the values of integrity, excellence and compassion that Prof. Udeani represents.
“May this institution flourish, may it empower, and may it continue to remind us that the seeds we plant today will blossom into the future we all dream of,” Ogundipe, Chairman of Governing Council, Redeemer’s University stated.
Professor Lucian Chukwu, also a former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services) University of Lagos in his remarks, described the ceremony as a moment of institutional pride and collective appreciation.
He noted that it was a moment when friends, colleagues, family and well wishers pause to one of their own.
According to him, Prof. Udeani is a scholar whose career exemplifies intellectual rigour, quiet excellence and unwavering commitment to education and human development.
“Today, we gather to honour a life of service, scholarship, leadership and enduring impact as we celebrate the valedictory and meritorious retirement, Festschrift presentation, platinum jubilee birthday of Prof. Uchenna Udeani, and the unveiling of the Uchenna Nkiruka Udeani Foundation.
“Prof. Udeani’s passionate advocacy for gender inclusion in STEM stands as one of her most remarkable legacies; giving voice, visibility and opportunity to generations of girls and young women who might otherwise have been left behind.
“As former Director of the Distance Learning Institute, Prof. Udeani provided visionary leadership marked by responsibility, balance and humility; expanding access to education, while upholding quality and standards. She served without fanfare, yet with unmistakable impact.
“Today also marks a deeply personal milestone; a Platinum Jubilee, celebrating 70 of a life well lived, of purpose, resilience, service and quiet strength.
“As Prof. Udeani transitions into retirement, this Festschrift stands as a permanent academic testament—a collective thank you from colleagues, students and friends, whose lives and work she has profoundly touched.
“It is therefore fitting that this celebration is both academic and deeply human; honouring the mind that has shaped knowledge and the heart that has shaped lives. The unveiling of the Uchenna Nkiruka Udeani Foundation by Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, FAS, Pro-Chancellor, Redeemer’s University, Ede, reflects Prof. Udeani’s enduring desire to continue touching lives beyond the walls of the academy,” Professor Chukwu said.
-
Society News5 years agoJamaican man beheads wife after finding out their 6 kids are not his
-
Society News7 years agoEXCLUSIVE: The Complete Story of Dolapo Awosika, John Fashanu and Prophet Kasali Sex Mess
-
News6 years agoPastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, His Membership Of Secret Cult, And Other Issues Touching On His Public Credentials Examined by Barr. PATRICK I. BIOSE
-
News6 years agoBREAKING: Ajimobi’s daughter-in-law blast Gov. Makinde, says gov can’t surpass ex-Oyo gov
-
Society News6 years agoThe Rise and Fall of “Jumoke The Bread Seller”
-
News6 years agoBREAKING: 2 arrested as NAF begins investigations into Tolulope’s death
-
Crime6 years agoExclusive: Female Aide Fingered In Oko Oloyun’s Murder + Banking Transactions That Nailed Husband
-
News6 years agoBREAKING: Police take over Edo House of Assembly as APC, Oshiomhole move to seize control
You must be logged in to post a comment Login