Professor James Udengene Oguakwa, a distinguished academic and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has passed away at the age of 88. His death occurred peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, in the early hours of dawn, as confirmed by a statement from his son, Rt. Hon. Barrister KGB Oguakwa, a former Chairman of the Committee on Aviation in the House of Representatives.
Professor Oguakwa was a renowned scholar in the field of Pure and Industrial Chemistry. He was a UNESCO Scholar and a nominee for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Throughout his career, he held significant academic roles, including Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies and Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences at UNN. As a researcher, he made notable contributions to the study of African Medicinal Plants and served as a Visiting Professor at several Nigerian universities.
A devout Catholic and a man of peace, Professor Oguakwa also held the traditional title of OzoIgboNdu 1 of Agbada-Inyi and was a lifelong member of the Ozo Inyi Cultural Society, an exclusive and prestigious cultural institution in his community.
He is survived by his three children, eight grandchildren, and numerous extended family members. The funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date, and his family has requested prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.
May his soul rest in peace.
