The Abia State Government has celebrated the 83rd birthday of elder statesman and former Minister of Education and Health, Professor Ihechukwu Chiedozie Madubuike.
The ceremony, held on Friday, July 10, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, was also used to launch three books authored and edited in honour of the celebrant.
Governor Alex Otti congratulated Professor Madubuike on his milestone birthday and the unveiling of the books. He described him as an exceptional scholar, accomplished administrator, family man, and one of Abia’s finest intellectuals.
“For us in Abia, we believe that we must celebrate our heroes while they are alive because any society that does not honour its heroes will lose its identity.
“Professor Madubuike has earned this celebration through a lifetime of scholarship, integrity and service,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor emphasised that his administration places greater value on merit and service than on political considerations, noting that every Abian who has made meaningful contributions to society deserves recognition.
The State Chief Executive recalled how his government had honoured eminent personalities from different political backgrounds, stressing that what binds them together is their shared identity as Abians.
“We don’t care about political parties, where you worship or where you originally came from. What matters is your contribution to our State. Once you are our son or daughter and have served humanity with distinction, we will celebrate you because Abia comes first,” Gov. Otti declared.
Responding to suggestions made by the celebrant and other speakers, Governor Otti highlighted the remarkable transformation taking place in the education sector, particularly at Abia State University, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, and Abia State College of Education Technical, Arochukwu, as well as in the healthcare sector.
Governor Otti revealed that his administration had rescued the university from years of neglect through extensive rehabilitation of hostels and learning facilities. At the polytechnic, he said lost accreditations have been restored while cutting-edge programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and 3D Printing have been introduced.
Governor Otti reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Abia Seaport project, revealing that feasibility studies are currently being undertaken by a Chinese firm to facilitate funding.
“We are serious about building the Abia Seaport, and it will happen in our generation.
“We are equally committed to delivering world-class healthcare and education because that is the future we owe our people,” Gov. Otti assured.
The Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, described Professor Madubuike as a very patriotic Igbo man, an amiable and academic giant, who played significant roles in the establishment of Federal Medical Centres in Igboland.
Senator Ngige thanked Governor Otti for honouring Prof. Madubuike, commended the quality of roads delivered by the Governor, and advised that he use campaign periods to inspect projects. He noted that Abia was in “Siberia” before the emergence of Governor Otti and appealed to Abians to sustain their support for him to enable him to complete his constitutional 8 years in office.
A former Minister of Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, saluted Governor Otti for celebrating Prof. Madubuike and for what he is doing for the State. She described the celebrant as a rare gem who contributed to the development of the country and congratulated him on his birthday.
Proposing a toast for the celebrant, Senator MAO Ohuabunwa thanked Governor Otti for the innovation of celebrating people who have contributed to the development of society. He noted that Prof. Madubuike served as Commissioner for Finance under Chief Sam Mbakwe and later as Minister of Education under the military, where he made impacts, including initiating the establishment of state-owned, privately-owned, and open universities.
Also speaking, a former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Sir Simeon Okeke, identified with the celebrant and extolled the transformational projects carried out in Abia by Governor Otti, describing them as unparalleled.
Responding, the celebrant, Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike, commended the Governor for his education policies, which have brought a positive turnaround in the State and other giant strides that have redefined governance in Abia.
“In three years, ‘CHIOMA’ (as his name goes) has conquered Abia State. Abia State was crumbling; the pillars in Abia were decaying. We call him CHIOMA. One of the factors of decay is bad leadership, but he has removed CHI ỌJỌỌ [bad omen] and has brought CHIOMA to Abia,” Prof. Madubuike stated.
He noted that he was the one who started state universities, private universities, and open universities in Nigeria, and that today, open universities are among the biggest because they ensure many people gain admission without restrictions.
Prof. Madubuike said one of his published books, “Nigeria: A Crumbling State: Issues in Nation Building and Development”, addresses the State of Nigeria, which America predicted would fail by 2030. He urged the Governor to make education a virtue, not just a tool, and to create a think tank, maintaining that what made the Igbo great in those days was education.
He further proposed that the Governor consider establishing an Abia Institute of Technology or Abia University of Technology, saying that the State does not need duplication of conventional universities but one focused on technology. He emphasised that it would end HND/B.Sc. Discrepancies and that JAMB and UTME would remain optional.
The books reviewed by Prof. Chima Korieh and Dr. Jasper Uche are:
- A Crumbling State: Issues in Nation Building and Development, authored by Prof. Madubuike
- Aka Ekpuchi Onwa: The Igbo Unbowed, authored by Prof. Madubuike
- Triple Heritage: Essays in Honour of Ihechukwu Madubuike, Scholar, Administrator, and Public Intellectual, edited by Chima J. Korieh & Victor Ukaogu
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake and the launch of the three books. Dignitaries in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Dr. Sampson Uchechukwu Ogah, Chris Uche, SAN, Chief David Onuoha Ogba (Bourdex), captains of industry, clergymen, and many others.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
July 10, 2026.
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