07/05/2023
APPRECIATION!!!
It was indeed a journey to attain the apex of academia that started in 2017 and was expected to end in 2020. Meanwhile the Global pandemic in 2020 gave the completion a slight shift to 2021. The epoch event of 6th of May 2023, marked the celebration of the academic colossus and the ceremony for the award of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Degree. It was indeed a course to give all thanks to the Almighty God for making everything possible and beautiful in its time (Rom. 9 vs. 15-16). I appreciate the African Union Commission, which without bias, and with regards to “outstanding scholarly doings” found me worthy to be selected as African Union Scholar from Nigeria, alongside other scholars from AU member States in 2017. It was truly a motivating international scholarly cooperation; as our focus remain on sustainable development of Africa. I also appreciate the University of Calabar management for their unreserved support in the scholarly cooperation.
My special thanks to Prof. J. A. Undie for not just being my principal supervisor, but academic role model and inspiration. I also appreciate my second supervisor, Dr. E. E. Ekanem, and my external assessor, Prof. G. G. Kpee. I sincerely recognize and appreciate the roles of my academic mentors; Prof. C.P. Akpan, Prof. I. Idaka, Prof. (Mrs.) C.C. Uchendu, Prof. (Mrs.) U.I. Ekpoh, Prof. J. E. Okon, Prof. P. N. Asuquo, Prof. (Mrs.) E.S. Uko, Dr. B. A. Akuegwu, Dr. V. O. Ebuara, Dr. Barr. F. O. Arop, Dr. G. E. Anagbogu, to mention but few. I also recognize and appreciate other of my academic mentors whose names could not contain in the list. God will reward each and every one of you. My special appreciation goes to my mother, Mrs. Gloria Nwafor-Nduaguba, for her moral support and prayers. I also appreciate my elder brothers Mr. Obinna Nwafor, and Mr. Chidi Nwafor, for their moral support and also supporting me with their resources to ensure the ceremony went well. I specially appreciate my sister Mrs. Blessing Nwafor-Emenike, for honoring me with her presence notwithstanding the distance. I also appreciate every other of my family members who in one way or the other has shown support. God will reward you all. I want to also specially appreciate Miss Jenny Inah Ofem for her support and love, especially the beautiful frame gift, which can only be an evidence of care and committed love. God will richly reward her. I want to use this medium to specially appreciate Evang. Rufus Umeojiaku, Prof. Eme E. Osim, Prof. Charles. P Akpan, Dr. Basil Akuegwu, Dr. Mrs. G. Nwaneri, who did not just honor me with their presence, but also with their resources. God will richly reward you all. I also appreciate other of my invitees whose names cannot contain in the list, for making out time to honor my IV, God will reward you all. I also appreciate other family, friends and well-wishers. Thank you all!!!
Innocent Arinze Nwafor, Ph.D
(MNIN, MISDS, MNAEAP, AU Scholar)
