Prof.Simon Ortuanya, the Vice-chancellor of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), has applauded the Faculty of Agriculture of the university for instituting a Hall of Fame to recognize scholars whose contributions have advanced the growth of the faculty.

This was contained in a statement issued in Nsukka on Tuesday signed by Mr Inya Egwu, the acting Public Relations Officer (PRO) of UNN,

The PRO said Ortuanya made the commendation during the maiden Hall of Fame award ceremony organized by the faculty.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the award recipients to continue their excellent work as the recognition should inspire them to greater accomplishments mankind.

“I commend Faculty of Agriculture for remembering those who have contributed immensely to the growth of the faculty, the university as well as humanity.

“I urge award recipients to continue their excellent work and see the awards as something that will inspire them to greater accomplishments.

“This honour is not the end of the journey but rather a motivation to continue making meaningful contributions to scholarship, research, mentorship, and national development, “the VC,” said.

Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof John Ikechukwu Eze, expressed appreciation to the awardees for their dedicated and outstanding services to the faculty over the years.

Eze, encouraged award recipients not to relent in their efforts, urged younger academics to emulate the selfless service, commitment, and professionalism demonstrated by the award recipients.

“We are celebrating individuals whose legacies have strengthened our faculty and inspired generations of students and scholars.

“Their achievements should serve as a model for younger academics who aspire to make lasting contributions to the university system,” Eze said.

Responding on behalf of others, Prof Nnaemeka Chukwuone, the Director, Resource and Environmental Policy Research Centre, Environment for Development (REPRC-EfD) Nigeria, thanked the faculty for finding him and others worthy for the award.

Chukwuone whose recognition was on his commitment to mentorship, academic excellence, and his remarkable success in attracting grants and development projects that have benefited the faculty immensely said he was humbled and overwhelmed by the honour.

Chukwuone described the recognition as both an honour and a call to greater service to the faculty and humanity

“This award is a reminder that service to humanity and commitment to excellence never go unnoticed. I accept this recognition with humility and renew of commitment to the advancement of the faculty, the university and humanity,

“I dedicate this honour to God, my late parents, my colleagues at EfD Nigeria and the EfD Global Hub as well as my lovely wife who is always to support me,” he said.

According to UNN-PRO, other members of faculty of Agriculture given the recognition award include; Prof. Michael Madukwe, Prof. Anthonia Achike, Prof Nicholas Ozor.