UNN declares mourning period for Chinua Achebe

The University of Nigeria has declared a period of mourning for the loss of Prof Chinua Achebe, a former faculty member of the University.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Bartho Okolo in a statement said that Achebe was one of those whose presence in the faculty helped to build the reputation of the university.

Okolo said UNN would unveil a programme in honour of the late author as well as join in all activities aimed at honouring the distinguished writer and teacher. Describing Achebe “as beacon of light that drew people to UNN” he said
“Management, staff and students of the University of Nigeria mourn with deep sadness and sense of immense loss the demise of a distinguished member of the UNN family, Prof Chinualumogu Albert Achebe

“Prof Achebe was one of the academic titans whose presence on the faculty served as a beacon of light that drew the world to the University of Nigeria. He taught in the Department of English as well as carried out research at the Institute of African Studies.

“After the epochal Things Fall Apart that gave a voice to African literature and its people, Achebe continued his pioneering endeavours with the founding of Okike, a foremost journal of African literature that birthed the careers of many a distinguished writer. His work in leading research into the cultures of the Igbo and various groups in the Institute of African Studies further cemented the reputation of the University of Nigeria as a centre of liberal learning in the best traditions.

“Achebe in his work gave to the language, culture and people of Igbo land, a universality that positioned it as one of the major ethnic groups of human civilisation.