The Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya (first from right), Director of REPRC-EfD Nigeria, Prof Nnaemeka Chukwuone and his wife, Prof. Mrs Chiamaka Chukwuone at the Faculty of Agriculture Maiden Hall of Honour Award.

The Faculty of Agriculture at University of Nigeria, Nsukka has inaugurated its Hall of Honour, recognizing distinguished academics whose contributions have significantly shaped the growth and development of the faculty, the university, and wider society.

Among the inaugural inductees was Professor Nnaemeka Chukwuone, Director of the Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre, Environment for Development (REPRC-EfD) Nigeria. He was honoured for his outstanding commitment to mentorship, academic excellence, and his success in attracting research grants and development projects that have strengthened both the Faculty of Agriculture and the university.

Professor Chukwuone was instrumental in bringing the Environment for Development (EfD) Network to the University of Nigeria in 2018. Since its establishment, the centre has grown into one of the institution’s flagship research hubs, earning international recognition for implementing major policy-focused research initiatives that address environmental and development challenges across Nigeria and the African continent.

The latest recognition adds to a series of honours received by Professor Chukwuone throughout his career. He was previously recognised as an Outstanding Teacher and Lecturer by the President of Nigeria during the country’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations and received an Award of Excellence from the university’s Vice-Chancellor in 2008.

Also inducted into the Faculty’s Hall of Honour were Professor Michael Madukwe, Professor Anthonia Achike, and Professor Nicholas Ozor for their exceptional contributions to the advancement of agricultural education, research, and institutional development.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, commended the Faculty of Agriculture for establishing the award and recognising individuals whose service has had a lasting impact on the university community.

He noted that the initiative reflects the faculty’s commitment to preserving the legacy of excellence and celebrating individuals who have contributed significantly to scholarship, research, and societal development.

Professor Ortuanya encouraged the award recipients to view the recognition as motivation for even greater achievements in academia and national development.

Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor John Ikechukwu Eze, expressed appreciation to the honourees for their years of dedicated service and invaluable contributions to the faculty.

He urged younger academics to emulate the professionalism, commitment, and selfless service demonstrated by the award recipients, describing them as role models whose achievements continue to inspire future generations of scholars.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Professor Chukwuone dedicated the honour to God, his late parents, his wife, and his colleagues at EfD Nigeria and the EfD Global Hub.

He described the recognition as both an honour and a responsibility, reaffirming his commitment to advancing research, mentorship, and academic excellence within the Faculty of Agriculture and the University of Nigeria.

The maiden Hall of Honour ceremony marks a significant milestone for the Faculty of Agriculture, reinforcing its commitment to celebrating excellence, preserving institutional memory, and inspiring future generations of academics and researchers.