Andrew Godwin Onokerhoraye At 81: The Humanity of a Professor Emeritus in My Life.

JOHNSON EGBEMUDIA DUDU, PhD

I have written extensively about Professor Emeritus Andrew Godwin Onokerhoraye, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, and former Executive Director of the Centre for Population and Environmental Development (CPED), a research institution of international repute that has mentored countless research professionals since its establishment in 1999. Professor Emeritus Onokerhoraye turns 81 on 7 July 2026. This tribute is not primarily about his remarkable academic achievements or distinguished career. His memoir, On the Hot Seat: The Memoir of a Vice-Chancellor, and his autobiography, The Riches of His Grace, have already documented those milestones with admirable detail and honesty. Rather, this is a story about the milk of human kindness embodied in the Professor of Urban Geography.

Over the years, I have often reflected on why this distinguished scholar has devoted so much of his life to helping others. From my interactions with him and my understanding of his life story, I believe his generosity springs from three major sources. First is the influence of his late mother, Madam Unumiayemu Onokerhoraye (née Akpokomuaye), a remarkably generous woman who lived a life of sacrifice, not only for her family but also for everyone around her. As Professor Onokerhoraye—fondly called AGONOKS by many of his friends—often recounts, his mother was compassionate, sometimes even to a fault, because she could not bear to see others suffer. She always prepared extra food in anticipation that visitors might arrive unexpectedly. That spirit of generosity became deeply rooted in him and has remained evident throughout his life. Second, his charitable disposition may be traced to the circumstances of his birth and upbringing. He was born into deprivation. Indeed, he was born by the roadside at about 2:00 a.m. while his mother, accompanied by her younger brother, Douglas Akpokomuaye, was making the five-kilometre journey to a traditional birth attendant. Perhaps it is no coincidence that much of his academic work has focused on spatial justice, accessibility to infrastructure, and equitable development—issues that continue to define his scholarship. Third, Professor Emeritus often speaks of “paying back” the kindness shown to him throughout his life. He believes that many people contributed to his personal and professional development, and that every act of kindness he extends is simply his contribution to the same cycle of goodwill that shaped his own journey. My motivation for writing this tribute comes from reflecting on my own life and the profound impact Professor Emeritus has had on it.

In November 2010, I returned to Nigeria from Canada after attending the Global Health Conference as part of the HIV Prevention for Rural Youth in Nigeria (HP4RY) project and completing a three-week SPSS data analysis training. Soon afterwards, what began as an ordinary cough developed into a mysterious illness that left my body almost completely paralysed. I could barely move. By December, I had stopped going to work. I moved from one hospital to another and consulted both medical practitioners and traditional healers, yet my condition showed little improvement. Throughout this difficult period, Professor Emeritus remained in constant touch. He called almost every day and even visited my home personally with Professor Francisca Omorodion of the University of Windsor, Canada.

Eventually, my brother, Mathew Osadebay Dudu, came from Lagos to take me there for further treatment. While in Lagos, we continued seeking medical and spiritual solutions. Through it all, Professor Emeritus never stopped calling to encourage me. At one point, transportation became a serious challenge. The vehicle kindly made available by another of my brothers, Emmanuel Oloya, was involved in an accident while conveying me to the hospital. When I informed Professor Emeritus of the situation, he simply said, “Johnson, don’t worry yourself. I will arrange for John to bring your car.” Within two days, our office driver, the late Mr. John Idoghor, arrived in Lagos with my vehicle. Professor Emeritus personally paid for the fuel, feeding, and transportation expenses. He also instructed me not to rush back to work until I had fully recovered.

More remarkably, he directed the Accounts Department to continue paying my salary throughout my absence, even after my official leave entitlement had expired. Whenever my statutory benefits ran out, he instructed the accounts unit to submit the salary vouchers directly to him for approval. He fulfilled that promise. For that act of compassion, I remain eternally grateful. I have often said that Professor Emeritus Onokerhoraye is not the typical employer. He genuinely cares about the personal welfare of his staff. This was not an isolated experience.

In 2001, shortly after he returned from his sabbatical at Harvard University, I contacted him while searching unsuccessfully for employment. When I requested an opportunity to see him, he simply replied, “Come to Benin, and let us talk.” When I met him in his office at the Department of Geography, he carefully reviewed my curriculum vitae. He was particularly impressed by the community research I had conducted during my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year. He explained that such practical community-based research aligned perfectly with the vision he had for CPED. He offered me a position, and in January 2002, I joined CPED as a Research Officer.

The very first investment he made in me was to sponsor my computer training under Engr. Ominiaboh and later at Babs Computers. He deliberately prepared me for the professional demands of research. From my first day in the office, he treated me with dignity and respect. Under his mentorship, I developed from a young Research Officer into a Principal Investigator on several research projects. His concern extended beyond the office. When I faced accommodation challenges after relocating to Benin, Professor Emeritus personally paid my first annual rent for a three-bedroom apartment. He did the same for another staff member. He also believed that staff should present themselves professionally. To reinforce this, he approved clothing allowances that enabled Mr. Augustine Agbi and me to purchase quality suits. Later, when I was buying my first car and lacked sufficient funds to clear it from the port because my savings were tied up in a fixed deposit, I approached him for advice. Without hesitation, he approved a loan of over ₦250,000—a significant amount at the time. His generosity was never limited to individuals.

Every year at CPED, our end-of-year gathering reflected his philosophy of leadership. His instruction was always the same: “Please spare no expense for this event. We have worked very hard throughout the year. We work together, we achieve together, and we should celebrate together.” That was vintage Andrew Godwin Onokerhoraye.

When I eventually decided to leave CPED to pursue an academic career as a university lecturer, he gave me his full support. Before my departure as Director of Research, he invited me into his office and advised me to remain a worthy ambassador of CPED. He expressed confidence that the Centre had prepared me adequately for the rigours of university life. Even after my transition to academia, he continued to encourage me through phone calls, letters, and invitations to participate in CPED seminars and research projects. His unwavering support has contributed immensely to my academic development, publications, conference participation, and professional growth.

As Professor Emeritus Andrew Godwin Onokerhoraye celebrates his 81st birthday on 7 July 2026, I cannot help but reflect on the immeasurable influence he has had on my life. He has been my teacher, mentor, employer, friend, and, in many respects, a father. Life finds its deepest meaning not merely in personal achievements but in the positive impact one makes on the lives of others. The few experiences I have shared represent only a fraction of the countless acts of kindness I have received because Professor Emeritus chose to live a life of service. I know that thousands of others can tell similar stories.

As he marks this remarkable milestone, I join family, friends, colleagues, students, and admirers in celebrating an exceptional scholar, administrator, mentor, and humanitarian. I pray that God grants him many more years in good health, peace, and fulfilment as he continues to enjoy the love of his family and the blessings of his Maker.

Happy 81st Birthday, Professor Emeritus Andrew Godwin Onokerhoraye.

Congratulations, Boss.

(Johnson Egbemudia Dudu, PhD, is a Lecturer at Dennis Osadebey University, Anwai-Asaba, Delta State)