Ebira Personality Profile: Late Prof. Albert Ozigi

Professor ALBERT OJO OZIGI, Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, was born at Okene in Kogi State in November, 1934, to the distinguished Ozigi family. He received very sound primary, post-primary and University education, after which he entered into the noble teaching profession as Education Officer at Government Secondary School, Abuja (now Suleja) in 1961. He taught History at both Dekina Secondary School and Government College, Bida, with great distinction, between 1964 and 1968.

Beyond his excellent teaching career, Professor Ozigi was an effective educational administrator, and served very well as:

• Principal, Government Secondary School, Dekina
• Principal, Government College, Bida
• Head of Secondary EducationInstitute of EducationABU, Zaria
• Chairman, Institute of EducationPublications Committee
• Chairman, Works Committee of theInstitute of EducationBoard of Governors
• Acting DirectorInstitute of Education
• Head of Department of EducationNational Open University
• Acting Deputy Vice ChancellorNational Open UniversityAbuja
• Director, Centre for DistanceLearning and Continuity EducationUniversity of Abuja

While at the Institute of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, he contributed immensely to teaching and research. His research activities produced several Books, monographs, Journal Articles and research papers for seminars and conferences. He was a celebrated Editor of reputable Journals and other Publications in the fields of Guidance and Counselling; School Management; Primary Syllabus for Nigerian Schools; Secondary Syllabus for Nigerian Schools; and Text Books for Nigerian Secondary Schools. He served as Co-Editor to the now famous Mcmillan’s Foundation of Education series, with particular emphasis on:
• Sociology of Education for Nigeria• Educational Psychology for Nigeria• Educational Planning and Administration• Educational Philosophy
Professor Ozigi also cooperated with the Overseas Committee of the American Council on Education, in partnership with Michigan State University, USA, to produce high quality books for Secondary School Teachers in Nigeria. Between 1971 and 2004, he was a most influential member of 18 Education Boards and Organizations.

In addition to his meritorious contributions to the development of education in Nigeria, Prof. Ozigi also served as Commissioner for Economic Development, and later Commissioner for Works in the Kwara State Cabinet of Governor Atta, between 1979 and 1983. During those years, he represented Kwara State as a member of the National Economic Council.

For his meritorious service to the Nation, Professor Ozigi received the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON. He was also a proud recipient of seven (7) MERIT Awards from notable organizations.
Professor Ozigi’s greatest source of power and wisdom for living was his abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Both at A.B.U. Zaria and the University of Abuja, he identified very clearly with the Christian community. He worshipped regularly at the University Chapel, and when he moved into Abuja he joined the congregations of All Saints Church, Wuse and later St. Matthew’s Church (Anglican Communion) Maitama. As a faithful Patron of the Men’s Fellowship, he gave exemplary leadership with profound love and wise counsel to all members. He will be greatly missed.

The deepest part of his Christian testimony was his highly devoted family life as a loving husband and very caring Father. He loved his family greatly, and brought up his children in the way of the Lord. He placed great emphasis on faith, truth, integrity and personal discipline.

Here then rests in glory a profound educationist, a sound teacher; an innovative adviser; a benevolent College Principal; a prodigious writer; an intellectual colossus; a devoted family man; a great servant of Jesus Christ. Therefore, like St. Paul, he could say:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up forme the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me onThat Day, and not to meonly but also to all who have loved His appearing,” (2 Tim 4:7-8).

Source: Gonetoosoon.org

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Tributes to Albert

I can't believe its almost a year

I can't believe its almost a year that death snatch you away but knowing you are up there gives us peace and joy ...you are dearly missed...........especially knowing you never met Oyisi....

Bosede Ozigi

Prof. Ozigi with Ohinoyi of Ebiraland - HRM (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim

Till death do us part

I recall the day we started this journey, when we agreed to spend the rest of our lives together."Till death do us part" was the promise we made to each other not knowing it would come so soon. It has been 38 glorious and happy years of our lives together and I have cherished every moment we shared.....

Wife, Mrs R. A. Ozigi

You were one in a million

You were one in a million. On behave of my siblings, i
wish to say that you will be greatly missed.

Your desire was to see everyone of your children
educated and God honoured you. You were a disciplined,
simple, principled person and you loved excellence
which you were quick to intil in us your children.

You were a father not just to your children alone but
you fathered so many. I pray that the good LOrd will
give you eternal rest, and like you, that we may learn
to number our days, so that we can apply our hearts to
wisdom.

ADIEUS DADDY.

Margaret Bute.

'ALL I WANTED TO SAY'

Dear Dad, all i wanted to say to you that night i called was to let you know how blessed i am to have a father like you. I actually called to speak with you a few hours before you passed on to eternity but I was told you were asleep.......

By Stella Adagiri

Idealist, educationist and peace catalyst

Idealist, educationist and peace catalyst. You have lived an exemplary life which is worth emulating.

May your gentle soul rest in peace. (Amen).

By. Professor Y.A. Jatto

Dreams drift away like leaves on the water.
They roll down the river and slip out of sight.
Too many times we do what we ought.
Put off 'til tomorrow what we'd really rather do tonight,
And later realize:

Time passes by, people pass on.
At the drop of a tear, they're gone.
Let's do what we dare, do what we like,
And love while we're here before time passes by.

Thoughts are like pennies we keep in our pockets.
They're never worth nothing 'til we give them away.
But love's like a promise in an un-opened letter,
Where nights full of pleasure seldom see the light of day,
When life gets in the way.

Time passes by, people pass on.
At the drop of a tear, they're gone.
Let's do what we dare, do what we like,
And love while we're here before time passes by.
SLEEP TIGHT SWEET ANGEL