By Sharifatu Ja’afaru (Deputy Editor)
The Vice Chancellor of University of Jos, Professor Hayward Mafuyai has described the late Deputy Dean of Students Affairs of the institution, Associate Professor Jacob Agaku as a world class academic who was “serious and excellent” in all he did.
He stated this at a valedictory session organized by the Department of Theatre and Film Arts, Department of Mass Communication and the National Film Institute in honour of the deceased who died recently during a brief illness.
The vice chancellor urged students to honour him by learning lessons from his life and emulating them.
Also speaking, Professor Augustine Enahoro noted that he was always the best and acknowledged his contributions to the accreditation of both Department of Theatre and Film Arts and Mass Communication years back.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Rotgak Gofwen described him as a friend, colleague and a polite gentle man.
Professor Egwugwu Illah consoled the mourning crowd with the phrase, “it is well” which the deceased was fond of, saying “even at this difficult moment it’s well”.
Head of Department Theatre and Film Arts, Professor Tor Iorapuu who recalled that Agaku died on September 11, 2014 described him as a brother and a friend.
President of the Students Association of Theatre and Film Arts (SATFA), Jeremiah Dusu said, Agaku was a father and thespian whose impact was felt not just by the department but the entire university community and will be greatly missed.
A student of the Department of Theatre and Film Arts, Alechenu Abel described late Agaku as “a friend, mentor, father a motivational thespian and a humble gentle man who possessed rare and unique leadership skills”.
The valedictory session had in attendance Deans of faculties, Heads of Department, lecturers, staff and students, as well as family of the deceased.
Appearing in different shades, such as red, lemon, ash, green, blue and yellow with an inscription “proudly thespian” students, lecturers and staff held a procession round the varsity’s main campus.
The session had songs and poetic renditions from the university choir and students of the Theatre and Film Arts Department, among other presentations.
