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The University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), on Monday celebrated the Director of its Institute of Maritime Studies, Prof. Florence Orabueze, as she marked her 60th birthday.
The event, organised by staff of the institute and held within the university premises, attracted members of the university community, friends, and well-wishers who praised her outstanding contributions to academia and leadership.
Speaking at the occasion, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, UNEC, Prof. Josaphat Onwumere, described Orabueze as an exceptional academic and administrator whose achievements had brought pride to the institution.
He commended her leadership as director of the institute and Chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNEC branch, noting that her tenure had witnessed remarkable progress.
According to him, the institute has recorded significant growth under her watch, including the expansion of postgraduate programmes and increased student enrolment, making it one of the leading maritime study centres in the country.
“Within a short period, we have seen tremendous progress. The profile of the institute has risen, and today it is reckoned among the best in Nigeria,” he said.
Onwumere also highlighted her leadership qualities, particularly her ability to engage constructively with university management while advocating for staff welfare.
A lecturer at the institute, Dr Ikenna Amuka, described Orabueze as “a wonderful and exceptional leader,” revealing that her impact across various positions she had held in the university remained indelible.
“She is a ground-breaker. Anywhere she goes, something remarkable must happen.
“She has introduced several innovative programmes and transformed the institute,” Amuka said.
He added that Orabueze introduced new academic courses, including Blue Economy, Disaster Risk Management, Maritime Tourism, and Maritime Ocean Engineering, which had significantly enhanced the institute’s academic offerings.
Amuka further praised her relationship with students, describing it as “top-notch,” and credited her with increasing student enrolment and mentoring many to success.
Also speaking, a staff member of the institute, Mr Sochi Egoigwe, described Orabueze as a visionary, courageous, and compassionate leader who stands firmly for justice.
“She is a mother figure and a fighter against injustice. When she takes up a cause, she ensures that fairness prevails,” he said.
He recounted instances where she intervened to secure promotions and defend colleagues against unfair treatment.
In an emotional tribute, her daughter, Mrs Ibuchukwu-Orabueze Okonkwo, described her mother as “phenomenal” and “an institution,” noting that her influence extended far beyond the family.
“She is a strong voice and a source of inspiration. My prayer is that God grants her long life, good health, and strength to continue impacting lives,” she said.
Responding, Orabueze expressed surprise at the celebration, noting that it was organised without her prior knowledge.
She called on leaders at all levels to demonstrate kindness, integrity, and commitment to service.
“Be good to people. Do not frustrate others or make them stagnate. As teachers and leaders, we have a sacred duty to shape the future,” she advised.
Orabueze attributed her inspiration to her late mother, whose kindness and legacy, she said, continued to guide her life and career.
Reflecting on her journey, she encouraged educators to mentor students selflessly and avoid exploiting them, stressing that many students faced significant financial challenges.
She also urged members of the university community to uphold the vision of the institution’s founding fathers, warning against silence in the face of wrongdoing.
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