AE-FUNAI VC Prof Daniel Nwachukwu Honors Late Former UNN VC Prof Charles Igwe

The Vice-Chancellor of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Prof. Daniel Nwachukwu, has paid a solemn tribute to the late immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Charles Igwe. Prof. Nwachukwu described the late academic leader as a scholar of uncommon vision who made unparalleled contributions to the growth and advancement of the Nigerian University System.

The Vice-Chancellor shared these remarks during the burial ceremony of the former UNN leader, which took place in Awka, Anambra State. Prof. Nwachukwu expressed that the passing of Prof. Igwe is a monumental loss. He emphasized that the impact of this loss is felt not only at the University of Nigeria Nsukka but also across the entire network of Nigerian universities.

Reflecting on Prof. Igwe’s tenure at UNN, Prof. Nwachukwu stressed that his leadership was truly transformative. He noted that the late Vice-Chancellor focused on academic innovation and maintained a sold-out commitment to institutional integrity. Under his watch, Prof. Igwe championed research excellence and worked hard to expand postgraduate studies. He also strengthened UNN’s global partnerships to ensure the institution remained faithful to its founding motto, which is “To Restore the Dignity of Man.”

Beyond his work in Nsukka, Prof. Igwe was a highly respected member of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities. In that role, he was a consistent and strong voice for university autonomy, high-quality assurance, and better funding for public universities across the nation.

Professor Nwachukwu concluded by stating that Prof. Igwe’s legacy is etched in the lives of the thousands of graduates, scholars, and administrators he inspired. He prayed for the peaceful repose of the late professor’s soul and asked for strength and comfort for the Igwe family and the UNN community during this time of grief.