President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed grief over the passing of late Professor Emeritus Nimi Briggs.
The President described him as a man with indelible blueprint who brought peace to the university system in Nigeria.
President Buhari who was represented by his Chief of Staff, processor Ibrahim Gambari, said this at the Official Memorial Ceremony for Briggs, in Abuja on Tuesday.
He applauded the deceased for bringing his unparallel activities, commitment and passion to restore industrial peace in the university system.
‘‘ In honour of the late Professor Emeritus Nimi Briggs, I join others to console with the wife , family, academia and other person’s from other areas. This is a reality of existence that we have to contend with.
” We cannot question the will and wisdom of the Almighty God. At times like this we need to look back and thank God for the gift of the life of Prof. Briggs, our gathering is not to mourn.
”This journey of life cut almost all part of our national existence and also transverse great service in various landmarks in our country .
” In his two main major areas of expertise -academic and medical, he stands out. He has brought his unparallel life abilities on the scene of academic positions.
” It will be deserving of mention his gratitude for leading federal government team of negotiations with our academic labour unions on improving our university system in the country,” he said.
The president also described him as a man of humility, God-fearing, devoted and a perfect gentle man who had left a mark to be filled by others.
Tributes
The President, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, said the death of Briggs was not just shocking but disheartening to say the least.
Osodeke, represented by the Investment Secretary of the union, Mr Austin Sado, said Briggs was a distinguished leader empowered by the Federal Government to renegotiate the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement.
He applauded the deceased for approaching the role with unequalled dedication and faithfulness.
‘”We commend the late Briggs as he earned the respect for the honest commitment to this assignment. His contribution sets him apart for honour and will forever be missed,” he said.
He said that the late Briggs through his works, immortalised his name and would never be forgotten.
Also, Senator Andrew Uchendu, Pro-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, said the best way to mourn the late Briggs was for the academy community to play their roles for the overall development of the country.
Nina Briggs Responds
Responding, the son of the late Briggs, Nina Briggs thanked the academic community for standing strong for the Briggs family throughout the demise of their father.
Briggs called on the community to stand up for the good part of his father’s life in order to recede the darkness in the society.
‘‘ My father is a human being, though we have private loss but now I can see that his loss is a communal loss to Nigeria, medical community and academy community.
”He touched lives in one way or the other within a little or wide window.
” I will want us to find the element Nimi Briggs drop in you and amplify it. Let us stand up to something good so that the darkness in the society will recede.
” That is the best legacy you can all give to him,” he said,” he said.
Tributes were rolled in for the deceased from the Academy of Science, Academy of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Committee of Pro-Chancellors of federal and state universities.
Until his death on April 10, Briggs, was the Pro-Chancellor, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndifu Alike, the 5th Vice-Chancellor of University of Port-Harcourt and Chairman, Committee of Pro-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.
Confidence Okwuchi
