Prof. Anezi Okoro is an inimitable phenom, a wonder prodigy of world acclaim that roots deep into the peridotite. The Professor of professors as he is known. Anezi Okoro is a confluence Science, Arts and Humanities. Being among the very first set of Nigerians to acquire western education majoring in Medicine, he had gained admission into the University of Ibadan as the pioneer set with his mates among whom was Chinua Achebe. While Achebe opted out from Medicine into Literature after their first year, Anezi Okoro proceeded with the 23 others. He graduated in 1952 from the University of Bristol, England.
He had his post graduate medical education at the Post graduate Medical School, Institute of Dermatology, London, England; Post graduate Medical School Institute of Dermatology Hammersmith Hospital, London; Post graduate Medical School, Edinburgh, Scotland, etc.
Anezi Okoro is the first Consultant Dermatologist and Venerologist and the first professor in these fields of Medicine in West Africa and the second in the whole of Africa. This earned him the title in the medical sphere as the 'Father of Dermatology'.
This consummate professor of unmatched sagacity served as a professor of Medicine at the King Faisal University, Damman, Saudi Arabia and as a visiting professor to Medical College, Georgia, USA and the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.
He has served as full-time or visiting professor of Medicine, Examiner, Physician, CMD, CMAC, Provost, Dean, HOD and Accreditor to more than two-third of all the Medical and post graduate Medical Schools and hospitals in the whole of Nigeria. And despite his age, he still works as a full-time professor of Medicine at the Ebonyi State University College of Medicine, running clinics, rounds delivering lectures to Medical students.
This unassuming teacher of teachers has been listed in the Men of Achievement Vol. 6 of the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England; Financial Times, London, 1981; Who's Who in the World of Oil and Gas; the Marquis Who's Who of Intellectuals Vols 1 & 3, etc. He was awarded the Olaudah Equiano Life-Award in 2015.
I've approached this as a layman, who became so influenced early in life and later by novels/texts written by an inveterate physician and master-story teller, one of the leading and surviving of the Nigeria's literary firmament, Prof. Anezi Okoro. Such titles include but not limited to The Village School(1966), The Village Headmaster(1967), One Week One Trouble(1972), Double Trouble(1990), Febechi in Cave Adventure(1971), Febechi Down The Niger(1975), Eclipse Fever(2007), Hands off, Young Doctor/Doctor Amadi's Postings(1975), Pariah Earth and Other Stories(1994), The Second Great Flood(2002), Akuko Ufodu Shakespeare Koro(2004), Flying Tortoise, Ringing Verses for African Schools(3 books of poems), a textbook of dermatology titled 'Common Skin Diseases', plus a host of yet-to-be published essays, stories, plays and poems.
Aside Medicine and literature, Anezi has made indelible and most remarkable contributions towards the growth of his country much like anyone who easily comes to mind. All of which space cannot permit me to share. But it must be noted that this unsung hero and continuously unannounced statesman authored the proposal in 1976, that the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria be relocated from Lagos to Abuja to foster more centrality. A proposal which was welcomed by all, and whose implementation was commenced by Murtala Mohammed and was later completed by Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on the 12th of December, 1991.
He was the Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (1977-1981), Chairman of the Governing Board of the Universal Basic Education Commission(UBEC) etc.
How could I forget his works for albinos and albinism?
Honestly, I have not grown up enough in learning and character to write a thing of/about this colossus, this human of rarest sapience. To make this attempt would be to embarrass myself and as well smear the records of this avatar of times, ages and races, Professor Emeritus, Anezionwu Nwankwo Okoro. Simply, Anezi Okoro. But hopefully someday, I will.
I can only say, that at some point in life, we meet a certain person who changes us. A god in human flesh, who lifts us up. Who loves us and takes us like their own.
When my dad came for a check up at the hospital, he kept saying 'Obinna, don't forget to take me to your friend, the old professor.'
Prof took my dad's hand and while pointing at me asked in his usual comic style, 'Did you know that Obinna is my son?'
'Yes, Prof. And he is my son too.' My dad replied, exploding with excitement and gratitude, while I just stood inbetween, smiling and giggling like a spoilt child. Of course, who wouldn't, having two fathers?
And many of us, past and present, share this similar experience with Prof. Anezi Okoro.
Having been so privileged to be under his tutelage in Medical School remains my greatest pride as a medical doctor today.
Anezi Okoro is a demi god, an immortal of unmatchable medical, literary and artistic bravura who has knitted a giant basket of conjoint institutions of near-equal ascendancy, an enigma that will forever subsist to be revered by all. A man whose birthday is supposed to be a national holiday in a functional society and country, but who has remained inadequately unsung, unacknowledged and unrewarded by the country and humanity he has so served with unequalled honesty, transparency, humility, patriotism and dedication.
Join me at least in saying a 'happy birthday' to Professor of professors. A lover of every man. He is a father to me, a father to us and a father to all!
God will keep you with us more Prof, in good spirit and health, and give you all the reasons to smile every single day of your remaining span. Amen!
Happy birthday, Prof.
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