By Tom Adejoh
A distinguished Radiographer, Professor Anthony Chukwuka Ugwu, has received rare commendation for what has been described as his remarkable contribution to the speedy graduation of postgraduate students in Radiography at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka.
The commendation was contained in an affirmation by Tom Adejoh, who described Prof. Ugwu’s record in postgraduate supervision as a significant development that has helped change the face of postgraduate education in Radiography.
Adejoh said his decision to publicly acknowledge Ugwu was based on facts and professional accomplishment rather than personal sentiments, noting that commendation of individuals whose work benefits others could encourage them to achieve even more.
He recalled that he had previously acknowledged the contributions of other academics and professionals, including Dr Auwal Abubakar for his productivity in postdoctoral research, National Research Fund (NRF) recognition and journal editorship; Dr Chris Eke for introducing a new paradigm into virtual Continuing Professional Development (CPD); and Dr Sobe Onwuzu for developing digital solutions in the profession.
He also cited Dr Musa Dambele for his contribution to the DICE revolution and the transformation of the Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN) into a more digital, click-and-access platform.
Adejoh further paid tribute to Professor K. K. Agwu, whom he described as a major force in the development of Radiography education and a mentor whose influence had extended across generations.
According to him, his historical accounts had also recognised other personalities, including Chief RSJ Babatunde, MISON, and Elder CT Utin, for their contributions to the profession.
Turning his attention to Prof. Ugwu, Adejoh said the professor had distinguished himself through the pace at which postgraduate research candidates under his supervision completed their programmes.
He recalled that Nnamdi Azikiwe University became the second university in Nigeria to commence a postgraduate programme in Radiography around 2011, following the pioneering programme at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC).
Adejoh said his own experience with postgraduate education provided him with a basis for comparison.
“I did M.Sc in UNEC from 2009 to 2014 and paid school fees for five sessions, while I did PhD in NAU from 2014 to 2018 and paid school fees for three sessions,” he stated.
He said that when the NAU postgraduate programme commenced, he initially regarded it as a duplication of the UNEC model, but later realised that the programmes were being completed within their stated durations.
According to him, the NAU structure provided a two-session timeline for M.Sc and a three-session timeline for PhD, with candidates increasingly completing their programmes within those periods.
Adejoh, who worked in Anambra State and also graduated from NAU, attributed the pace of postgraduate completion in Radiography at the university largely to the influence of Prof. Ugwu.
“I can tell without any iota of doubt that the speedy graduations were engineered by Prof. A. C. Ugwu,” he said, while acknowledging that other lecturers may also have contributed to the development.
He added that the development eventually positioned NAU as a preferred destination for PhD candidates in Radiography.
Adejoh listed 12 PhD candidates who, according to him, were added to the academic pool under Prof. Ugwu’s supervision between 2021 and 2023.
They are Laushugno Shem Samuel, Okon Ime, Okafor Chioma, Onwuzu Sobe, Maduka Beatrice, Abba Mohammed, Sidi Mohammed, Luntsi Geofery, Ogolodom Michael, Akhigbe Robert, Abubakar Umar and Modu Ali Alhaji.
He, however, clarified that his commendation was not intended to discount the contributions of other lecturers involved in the education of the candidates.
“I am not talking about education but thesis/dissertation supervision. It is not an everybody’s affair,” he said.
Adejoh described the achievement as a significant feat in postgraduate education, particularly in an environment where prolonged completion periods had previously been a major concern.
He said Prof. Ugwu, popularly known as Agujiegbe, deserved recognition for making the stipulated three sessions for PhD candidates translate into actual three-session completion.
“I break that jinx to acclaim a great Radiographer who has indeed changed the face of postgraduate education in modern times by making three sessions truly three sessions. It is a huge feat and deserves all acclaim,” Adejoh declared.
He urged Prof. Ugwu not to relent in his efforts, saying that irrespective of criticisms he might receive in other areas, his record in speedy postgraduate graduation remained outstanding.
“Prof. Ugwu, please do not rest on your oars. You may be criticised for nine things, but in this particular niche of speedy graduations, you are numero uno,” he said.
By Tom Adejoh
0645 hrs, October 7, 2026
BHU, FULAFIA, CUSTECH
