In a heartwarming display of honour and institutional pride, the Law Unit of the Social Sciences Department, School of General Studies (SGS), Federal Polytechnic Nekede, held a valedictory luncheon to celebrate the distinguished retirement of one of its own, Dr. Barr. Nze Chief Mirikwe, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the SMCS Conference Room.
This commemorative gathering follows in the footsteps of a similar event held in honour of Barr. Malachy Madu shortly after the assumption of office by the Rector, Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, as the substantive head of the institution. Once again, the Law Unit demonstrated its deep commitment to academic excellence, collegial respect, and the culture of recognition.
Presiding over the event, the Acting Dean of the School of General Studies, Dr. Ada Onyebuenyi, conveyed profound appreciation to the Law Unit for what she described as a consistently exemplary approach to internal administration and retiree recognition.
While noting that the Rector was unavoidably absent due to official engagements, she relayed the Rector’s heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant.
Dr. Tony Osuji, Head of the Social Sciences Department, lauded Dr. Barr. Mirikwe for his years of meritorious service, describing him as a rare embodiment of humility, generosity, integrity, and quiet strength.
He applauded the retiree’s mentorship of junior colleagues and his lasting impact on the development of legal education within the department.
Dr. Osuji also used the occasion to celebrate the efforts of Barr. Ngozi Maureen Idih, PhD, the current Law Unit Coordinator, whom he praised as “Leadership Personified.”
He stated that “under her guidance, the Law Unit has gained increased institutional visibility, introduced a peer-reviewed Law Journal within the Social Sciences, facilitated the integration of NBTE-accredited courses in aligned departments, and championed the case for domiciling law students within the SGS. Her work as Director of the Centre for Gender Studies (CGS), now one of the institution’s most sought-after directorates, was equally acknowledged.”.
The event was well attended by legal academics, unit heads, directors, and dignitaries from across the Polytechnic, including the Evening Programme Director, Dr. (Mrs.) Julian Njoku, Psychology Unit Coordinator, Dr. Okey Udedibia, and the Rector’s Media Team.
The atmosphere was marked by camaraderie and warm tributes, with guests commending the Law Unit for the elegance and thoughtfulness of the luncheon.
The Rector’s Media crew gathered that Dr. Barr. Mirikwe bagged his first degree from University of Nigeria, Nsukka and proudly a Lion as Alumni of the institution are referred.
He earned his Master degree in Law from Imo State University and repeated same degree with UNN before capping it with a PhD in Criminology, still with UNN, making him a super lion of the highest order. Such a distinguished academic exploits revealed how passionate Dr. Barr. Mirikwe was in driving Law education in Nigeria and beyond.
The Federal Polytechnic Nekede Community evidently will miss this icon but the Consultancy services can serve as avenue to retain his worthwhile experiences, knowledge and expertise.
Once again, the Law Unit under the Social Sciences Department in School of General Studies has proven itself a beacon of institutional innovation, excellence, and staff welfare. Other departments and academic units are encouraged to emulate this culture of celebration and appreciation, which strengthens bonds and promotes a legacy of excellence.
The Rector’s administration, under the visionary leadership of Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Igbokwe, remains committed to fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion, and academic distinction across all strata of the institution. Staff members are enjoined to key into this transformative vision by contributing their best efforts and values.
