The Minister of Education, Prof. Adamu Adamu, says the Federal Government will immortalise late Emeritus Professor, Nimi Briggs, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
Briggs, who passed away in the early hours of April 10 at the age of 79, was the 5th Vice Chancellor of the university from 2000 to 2005.
Adamu made the declaration on Saturday in Port Harcourt at a special convocation ceremony organised by the university to honour the late celebrated icon.
Represented by Dr Chris Mayaki, an official in the Ministry, Adamu said plans had also been concluded to institute a suitable memorial to immortalise the late Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
“Prof. Briggs will be immortalised in honour of his contributions to the advancement of education and medical practice in the country.
“The late Professor creditably spent most of his productive life, building what has been an outstanding academic and distinguished public service career in teaching, research, medical practice and community service.
“We cannot write the history of Nigeria’s university system without the mention of the pivotal and pioneer roles played at various stages by the late icon”, he said.
Adamu described the renowned academic as a hardworking, sociable, resourceful and intelligent man that distinctively served in various academic leadership positions he held in his glittering career.
“As a scholar of distinction, he graduated as a medical doctor in 1969, and was awarded one of the first ever Doctor of Medicine degree by the University of Lagos.
“To this end, when the National Monument for University Education is eventually built, the late professor’s name will be written in platinum in his honour”, the Minister added.
The Pro-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Sen. Andrew Uchendu, described Briggs as an astute administrator, manager of human resources, incorruptible and detribalised thinker.
He said the former UNIPORT VC left numerous legacies that would inspire future generations and indelible marks in the academic community.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of UNIPORT, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, said the late academic luminary was a promoter of peace, development and transformation.
Georgewill, represented by the institution’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Clifford Ofurum, said Briggs was instrumental to the infrastructural transformation in the university.
Briggs, until his death, was the Pro-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki; Medical University, Yenegoa, as well as Chairman, Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Federal Universities.