Death is an end product of a lifetime for every human. It occurs anytime in the life of beings, just the way it took Associate Professor Victor Egwemi, who was the dean, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, IBB university, Lapai, Niger state at his prime. Ordinarily, death means nothing even to the dead except those who are left to mourn. The quality of life of an individual measures to a large extent the value of what death takes out of humanity. For me, Egwemi passed when his service, friendship, mentorship was most needed and that is what makes death painful for those still blessed with the gift of life.
It was a minor intestinal obstruction or so we thought. The doctors agreed with him to receive infusion at home since it was not life threatening. Within few hours he would be fine. His liver, kidney, heart and other vital functions were in excellent operational condition. The medical situation of one of the best political scientist from Igala land continued to plummet so very quickly, and the journey ended at Garki hospital Abuja, where he breathed his last, early hours of Saturday, 01/07/17.
Only a few days ago I was with Victor, in his apartment at the university staff quarters. He was lying down shirtless with drips running tenderly into his veins, feeding him intravenously. His breathing was heavy but steady. He threw his usual deep stare at me and broke off beaming with smiles. I hopped on his bed to pull some usual jokes and lighten up the mood. He was his usual self except for the drip and intermittent spasmodic way his entire body was responding. When I asked of his condition, he was optimistic – hence dismissing fears of any danger.
I recalled that he condoled me on the death of a colleague who had died a week before. Dr. Hashimi Yunusa was a staff of IBB University and a former Head of Department, political science. His death was also quick and shocking. None of us in the room that day imagined that in less than two weeks Victor will be a topic of discussion where he would be referred to in the past. His death is more shocking to those around him in his last hours as he betrayed no signs of quick transition to the great beyond.
I am sure Victor transitioned to the other side with the gallantry of a warrior, preparing himself for the Valhalla that awaits him without fear. He was a man of strong conviction, insurmountable energy, unrivaled resilience who appreciates life at the value of human contribution which he knows can end at any time. I once hurriedly left Lapai to examine myself when I had serious ulcer bout. When I returned the next week we had a good laugh when he wondered why I was so scared of life. He said life is sweet, however urged me to see death as a necessary end to human existence.
I recall that Victor, encouraged me to contribute my first academic paper in a seminar he organized. He told me in strong terms that I have advantage as a journalist, adding that academic is all about writing and research. He said a journalist writes and research, a veritable requirement to grow academically. When it came to academics, he was a lion, he tore down every obstacle to achieve desired result. After all the hustle, he can sit back and return to humanity to play the sociable being he was.
The last time I was at his residence in Lapai, I picked my way through heaps of books strategically located on the floor. I gazed at the wall with dizziness at the shelves of academic books around his living room, corridor and dinning section. I wondered how a single mortal will keep such a library and much it would have cost him, then I was recalled from my short-lived reverie by my HoD, Mr. Samuel Ende that he has more books in Kogi state where his family lived. He sure lived a life of academic pursuit.
Scholarship was Victors gift to humanity. His faculty, IBBU University, schools he visited, seminars, books he contributed and edited will remember him on account of his immortal contribution to learning. He would be remembered for his contribution to the art and science of politics. People like him explored deeper into the principle and practice of politics so that the world could be a better place through vibrant leadership and political institutions.
It is impossible to say adieu to a colossus like Victor when every corner of known book shelves in the field of political science his works occupy prominent space. He is among the hard working people that would be immortalized by sheer hardwork, sacrifice to building future generation of Nigerians. Viva, Victor Egwemi.
Written by Israel A. Ebije [email protected]
@ebijeisrael
