The enduring legacy of Nigeria’s former Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the late Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili, resonated strongly at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka yesterday, as female students resident in the Prof. Dora Akunyili Hostel held a colourful ceremony in celebration of her life, ideals and outstanding contributions to national development.
The event attracted university administrators, legal practitioners, students and other distinguished guests, all of whom paid glowing tributes to the late icon, describing her as an enduring symbol of integrity, courage, excellence and selfless leadership whose exemplary life remains worthy of emulation.
Welcoming guests, the Chief Host and Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Kingsley Ikechukwu Uboji, said the annual celebration was designed not only to preserve Prof. Akunyili’s memory but also to inspire young people to embrace the values that defined her remarkable public service.
According to him, her unwavering commitment to truth, professionalism, patriotism and accountability remains a guiding light for future leaders. He urged students to reflect those values in their academic pursuits, leadership responsibilities and everyday lives.
Representing the Registrar of the university, Dr. Chinenye Gloria Okeke, Mrs. Ilozue Perpetual Ngozi commended the female students for sustaining an initiative that celebrates character, integrity and service above personal status.
She described Prof. Akunyili as one of Nigeria’s most distinguished public servants and an outstanding ambassador whose legacy continues to inspire excellence across generations.
She added that the university remains committed to producing graduates distinguished not only by academic excellence but also by discipline, integrity and responsible citizenship.
In an emotional tribute, the son of the late Prof. Dora Akunyili and Director of the Project Monitoring Department, Anambra State Government, Hon. Obumneme Akunyili, expressed profound appreciation to the university community for keeping his mother’s memory alive through the annual celebration.
He described the gesture as a powerful reminder that a life devoted to humanity never fades, recalling his mother’s unwavering faith, resilience, discipline and uncompromising dedication to national service.
According to him, her greatest achievements were rooted not in the public offices she occupied but in the enduring values she demonstrated throughout her lifetime.
He challenged the students to make integrity, diligence, compassion and excellence the foundation of their lives, stressing that genuine success is measured not by wealth or position but by the positive impact one makes on society.
He further noted that the most meaningful tribute to Prof. Akunyili is not merely through annual ceremonies but by demonstrating courage, defending what is right despite adversity and choosing honesty over convenience in every aspect of life.
Speaking on behalf of one of the award recipients, Barr. Austin Akonam Ogbonna (Okoludo), APC aspirant for the Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Mr. Nweke Emanuel Ebuka described the recognition as a call to greater responsibility rather than a celebration of personal accomplishment.
He commended the organisers for promoting a culture that rewards integrity and responsible leadership while reaffirming the recipient’s commitment to justice, ethical leadership and youth development in line with the ideals exemplified by the late Prof. Akunyili.
Also speaking, Barr. Obinna Henry Oguguo, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Awka South I Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly election, represented by Mr. Okoli Izuchukwu Kizito, expressed appreciation for the honour, describing it as further motivation to remain steadfast in service to humanity and continue promoting excellence, accountability and selfless leadership.
It was widely acknowledged by several speakers, particularly the Executive Director of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr. Nkem Okeke, that her fearless campaign against counterfeit drugs, unwavering commitment to protecting the public interest, and uncompromising integrity not only transformed Nigeria’s pharmaceutical regulatory system but also strengthened the country’s international reputation for transparency, accountability, and visionary public service.
They described the event as more than a memorial, saying it reaffirmed the timeless truth that genuine leadership is defined by character, sacrifice and service.
They expressed confidence that Prof. Dora Akunyili’s legacy would continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to pursue excellence with integrity and lead with courage.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Hostel President, Miss Promise Nwogu, on behalf of the female students of the Prof. Dora Akunyili Hostel, reaffirmed their collective commitment to preserving the values for which the late icon was renowned.
She pledged that the annual celebration would continue to serve as a platform for inspiring young women to embrace integrity, excellence, patriotism and selfless service, ensuring that Prof. Dora Akunyili’s legacy remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
Highlights of the ceremony included goodwill messages, presentation of awards to sponsors and distinguished personalities, cultural performances, choral renditions, traditional oja flute and trumpet displays, the unveiling of a portrait of the late Prof. Akunyili, cake-cutting and reflections on her enduring contributions to public health, institutional reform and national development.
Dora Akunyili’s Legacy Lives On As UNIZIK Students Celebrate Integrity and Excellence
