The Vice-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike   Ebonyi State,  Prof. Sunday Oge Elom says the late Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, 3rd Governing Council of the institution, Prof. Emeritus Nimi Briggs paid his dues, and lived  an mpartful life that would remain evergreen in the hearts of people.

The Vice-Chancellor stated this during a  Special Convocation in honour of the departed icon held at the University of Port Harcourt,  Rivers State, as part of the activities earmarked for the burial of Prof. Emeritus Briggs on Saturday, 20th May, 2023.

The Vice-Chancellor who was represented at the solemn event by Prof. Abel Ezeoha, noted that the contributions of the late Pro-Chancellor to the development of the Nigerian University system were indelible, urging that his vision of a functional and finicially-stableUniversity system should not be allowed to die.

He further stressed that the late Briggs danced his dance, sang his song, wrote his story, and has bowed out in blaze of glory.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor also  led a team of members of the University Governing Council, to join thousands of Nigerians from all works of life to bid the seasoned academic farewell in his village,  Abonema, Rivers State.

In a Church service at St. Paul’s  Lutheran Cathderal, Abonema, the late  Briggs was described as a man of many parts, whose major interest was the betterment of society through quality education.  The various speakers at the event further described him as a colossus whose shoes would be difficult to fill, adding that his legacies are innumerable.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the condolence register from the university to the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Data Briggs by the leader of the team, Prof. Ezeoha. The University also joined in the funeral rites where it presented some drinks and ‘envelope’ to the family.

The burial ceremony was attended by members of the University Governing Council, Principal Officers and other senior staff of the University.