The Federal University, Ebonyi, has been renamed.
It is now Alex Ekwueme University.
The institution was renamed on Friday after the late former Vice President Alex Ekwueme.
Ekwueme who was Nigeria’s vice president between October 1979 and December 1983 died in a London hospital on November 19, 2017.
The renaming of the school was announced by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on the occasion of the interment of Ekwueme which took place at his hometown, Oko, in Anamra State.
The naming of the school after Ekwueme, was in recognition of his contribution to the nation’s growth.
Speaking during the renaming, Osinbajo said Ekwueme was immortalised for his selfless service, integrity and contributions to national development.
According to him, Ekwueme was a true Nigerian icon and statesman whose life and times were worthy of celebration.
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Osinbajo added that apart from the fact that Ekwueme was known for his reputation as an accomplished scholar, architectural prowess or for having occupied high public offices he was also reputed for practising eternal principles that set men and women apart from their peers whether they were poor or rich.
“Ekwueme was a man of principles, of personal sacrifice for others and service to those who cannot offer him reward,” he said.
Primate Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr Nicholas Okoh, in his sermon described Ekwueme’s burial ceremony as a crusade rather than a funeral service.
According to him, Ekwueme’s virtues were worthy of emulation.
Stressing that Ekwueme was a man of integrity, Okoh said: “Even if you are doing business, in public service or in the Lord’s vineyard and you lack integrity, things will not work fine.”
Okoh commiserated with the Ekwueme family and thanked God for having him as their late patriarch.
