Professor Bart Nnaji, a world-renowned engineer, energy expert, and pioneer of Nigeria’s independent power sector, added yet another accolade to his illustrious career on Saturday, December 14, 2024. Gregory University, Uturu, one of Nigeria’s premier private institutions, conferred an honorary doctorate on him during its 9th convocation ceremony. The event marked yet another milestone for the celebrated chairman of Geometric Power Group, who now holds seven honorary doctorates from prestigious Nigerian institutions.
Gregory University, known for its academic excellence and commitment to innovation, has a reputation for recognizing distinguished individuals who have significantly impacted society. Situated in the serene town of Uturu, Abia State, the university is a beacon of private-sector-driven education in Nigeria. By awarding its highest honorary degree to Professor Nnaji, the institution reaffirmed its commitment to excellence and nation-building.
The citation read at the ceremony chronicled the exceptional trajectory of Professor Nnaji’s life, from his humble beginnings in Umuode, Enugu State, to becoming a globally celebrated professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, USA. A former Minister of Power in Nigeria, Nnaji is credited with spearheading transformative reforms in the power sector, particularly through his visionary leadership in the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP). His achievements include establishing Geometric Power, Nigeria’s first private-sector-led power utility company, and the Aba Integrated Power Project, an innovative model for reliable electricity supply.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Nnaji expressed gratitude to Gregory University for the honor, attributing his success to hard work, a commitment to excellence, and an unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential. He praised the university for its strides in education and entrepreneurship, describing it as a critical contributor to Nigeria’s human capital development. “I dedicate this award to every Nigerian who believes in the power of innovation and integrity,” Nnaji stated.
L-R: Vice-chancellor, Professor Celestina Njoku; Convocation Lecturer, Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN; Chairman of Geometric Power Group, Professor Bart Nnaji; his wife and Managing Director of Geometric Power Group, Agatha; Chancellor, Okechukwu Greg Ibe Jnr.; Pro-Chancellor, Professor Augustine Uwakwe at the 9th Convocation Ceremony of Gregory University Uturu (GUU) on Saturday.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Mrs. Cele Njoku, highlighted the institution’s academic strides, proudly noting that all its programs are fully accredited by regulatory bodies. She also announced a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sacred Heart University in the United States, alongside an existing partnership with Russian Friendship University, aimed at fostering exchange programs and technology transfer. A total of 190 students graduated, with 16 earning First Class honors, 86 Second Class Upper, 86 Second Class Lower, and one Third Class.
Master Ombeh Tarelayefa Clinton, the overall best graduand with an impressive CGPA of 4.81, was rewarded with N1 million by the university’s founder, Professor Greg Ibe, in addition to other prizes. The Faculty of Law celebrated seven First Class graduates, including the overall best, who were each recognized with various cash awards in honor of their exceptional achievements.
The ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries, including renowned constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), who delivered the convocation lecture. In his address, Ozekhome emphasized the importance of education as a tool for societal transformation, lauding Gregory University for its dedication to nurturing leaders and celebrating excellence. His thought-provoking lecture set the tone for a memorable occasion that highlighted service to humanity and innovation.
Engineer Emmanuel Dikogu, a veteran power sector engineer, hailed Nnaji as a national treasure, saying, “Professor Bart Nnaji has consistently demonstrated unparalleled leadership and innovation in the energy sector. His work has created a template for solving Nigeria’s persistent power challenges.” Similarly, Dr. Nickson Agbasi Esq., a legal scholar and policy advocate, described Nnaji as an icon of inspiration: “Professor Nnaji is a beacon of excellence whose career reflects the values of perseverance, intellectual prowess, and service to humanity.”
Dr. Menkiti Ngene, a senior academic at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), praised Nnaji’s vision and Gregory University’s recognition of his achievements: “Professor Nnaji’s life story is one of dedication and impact. Gregory University deserves commendation for celebrating such a transformative figure whose work inspires innovation and community development.”
The university itself also received accolades for its visionary approach to education. Dr. Menkiti Ngene further stated, “Gregory University is not just producing future leaders but also recognizing icons whose stories can inspire the next generation. This act of celebrating excellence is what the Nigerian education sector needs more of.”
Professor Nnaji’s career is a study in visionary leadership and groundbreaking innovation. From designing advanced robotic systems in the United States to championing the application of indigenous solutions in Nigeria’s energy sector, his work has earned him international acclaim. His tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Power was transformative, laying the groundwork for the current push toward energy privatization and sustainability.
Beyond his professional achievements, Nnaji’s humanitarian endeavors further distinguish him. Through his foundation, he has supported education and community development initiatives, providing scholarships to underprivileged students and funding infrastructural projects in his hometown and beyond. These efforts align closely with Gregory University’s ethos of nurturing leaders committed to societal development.
As Professor Nnaji joins the ranks of other distinguished recipients of Gregory University’s honorary degrees, the occasion serves as a reminder of his indelible contributions to engineering, energy, and nation-building. His efforts to address Nigeria’s power challenges and his unwavering belief in the country’s potential continue to inspire a generation of young innovators.
Gregory University once again demonstrated its role as a champion of excellence, aligning academic recognition with national aspirations for progress and development. GMTNewsng
