PORTHARCOURT:Nigeria’s academic, political, and business communities are set to celebrate one of the nation’s most distinguished educationists, Prof. Otonti Nduka, as he marks his 100th birthday with a major centenary celebration scheduled for May 8 and 9, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The two-day event is expected to attract top figures from academia, government, industry, and civil society, reflecting the professor’s decades-long influence on education reform and values-based leadership in Nigeria.
Prof. Nduka, a former President of the Nigerian Academy of Education, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading advocates of ethical and values-driven education.
He has received numerous honours, including the prestigious Distinguished Professor of the Century award from the National Universities Commission, recognising his contributions to educational development and curriculum reform.
His academic legacy spans decades of teaching, research, and policy influence, particularly in shaping moral philosophy and civic responsibility within Nigeria’s education system.
The centenary celebration will be attended by prominent national figures, including:
- Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa (Special Guest of Honour)
- Governor of Rivers State, Siminialayi Fubara (Chief Host)
- Former CBN Deputy Governor, Kingsley Moghalu (Keynote Speaker)
- Former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi
Organisers say the event will serve as a national platform for reflection on education, ethics, and leadership in Nigeria.
A major highlight of the event will be a national conference focusing on the role of values in education and governance.
Key discussion themes include:
- Reviving Values in a Digital Age
- Ethical Leadership for National Development
According to the centenary committee chairman, Hilary Wordu, the celebration goes beyond honouring an individual it represents a broader national reflection on societal values.
This is a moment for Nigeria to reflect on the values that shape national progress and leadership integrity, he said
A major feature of the centenary is the unveiling of the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education Endowment Fund, targeting ₦5 billion in funding.
The initiative is designed to support:
- Scholarships for students
- Teacher training programmes
- Academic research grants
- Institutional development in Nigerian universities
The fund will be spearheaded by the Chairman of Ramec Group, Grant Offor, alongside academic and development partners.
The two-day centenary celebration will feature:
Day One:
- National academic conference
- Panel discussions on education reform
- Policy dialogues on ethics and leadership
Day Two:
- Cultural performances (music, dance, poetry)
- Awards ceremony
- Gala dinner
The event is expected to host over 1,500 participants, including vice-chancellors, policymakers, students, and international guests.
Prof. Nduka, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan and former lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is credited with pioneering values-based education in post-colonial Africa.
His influential works, including:
- The Foundations of Social Order
- Ethics in Education
have shaped educational policy discussions across Africa, particularly in integrating moral instruction into science, humanities, and civic education curricula
Organisers say the centenary is not only a celebration of longevity but also a national call to reassess Nigeria’s educational priorities.
At a time when concerns over corruption, youth development, and leadership ethics persist, the event is expected to reignite conversations around character formation in schools and universities.
Education stakeholders argue that Prof. Nduka’s philosophy remains relevant in addressing modern challenges such as digital ethics, academic integrity, and leadership accountability.
As Nigeria prepares to honour Prof. Otonti Nduka at 100, the centenary celebration stands as both a tribute to an academic icon and a renewed call for values-driven education reform.
The event is expected to reinforce his enduring legacy as one of the most influential voices in shaping Nigeria’s educational philosophy and moral direction.
