“The greatest loss in life is not death. The greatest loss is what dies inside while still alive.” - Norman Cousins
I must confess that writing tributes is not something that comes naturally to me. However, some individuals leave such an indelible mark on our lives that it becomes necessary to express our utmost gratitude and admiration for them. Late Dr. Lawrence N. Ezeako, my very humble lecturer at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria, is one such extraordinary individual who has profoundly impacted my life and the lives of countless others.
When I first heard of Dr. Ezeako, it was through some senior students who were ahead of me in the same program. They spoke of his reputation as a formidable academic and the challenges posed by his courses. Despite the difficulty, they praised his ability to effortlessly explain even the most abstract concepts, making them accessible and comprehensible to all. Little did I know that I would soon have the privilege of experiencing his teachings firsthand.
As an academic, Dr. Ezeako's mastery in the field of mathematics was unparalleled. He approached teaching with a deep understanding of class psychology, recognizing that each student is unique and possesses varying levels of comprehension. He had the rare ability to tailor his approach to suit the needs of individual students, fostering an environment of understanding and encouragement.
I vividly remember the courses on abstract algebra, real analysis, and group theory that Dr. Ezeako taught me. At the time, I didn't fully realize their significance, but they laid the foundation for my later pursuits in the realm of cybersecurity, particularly in cryptography and blockchain technology. The knowledge and skills he imparted have been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional journey.
Beyond being an exceptional academic, Dr. Ezeako was a kind and caring human being. He exhibited an exemplary fatherly relationship with his students, always ready to offer guidance and mentorship. His door was open to all, and he never hesitated to listen to our concerns and provide valuable advice. His presence was a source of comfort and reassurance for many of us, especially during challenging times in our academic pursuits.
Having the rare privilege of interacting with him both as a student and later as a junior colleague when I joined the department as a staff, I got to witness his dedication and passion for education firsthand. It was during his last days in the department that I had a poignant conversation with him. He approached me with a solemn expression and asked, "Oyibo, have I ever wronged you?" The question caught me off guard, but I responded honestly, "No, sir." With utmost sincerity, he continued, "Please, if I have wronged you knowingly or unknowingly, forgive me because I may be leaving you guys soon." It was at that moment that the reality of his impending retirement hit me, and my heart felt heavy with the thought of losing such a remarkable teacher and mentor.
I found the strength to reassure him that he had never wronged anyone in the department, and that his impact had been nothing but positive. I assured him that his legacy would live on through the countless students whose lives he had touched and transformed. Even in that bittersweet moment, he exuded grace and humility, expressing his love and care for all of us, his students and colleagues.
Today, as we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Ezeako's immediate family, we are reminded of the profound impact he had on our lives. His dedication to education, his unwavering support, and his fatherly guidance have left an everlasting impression on each one of us. We are immensely grateful to his family for sharing his beautiful soul and knowledge with us, and we take solace in knowing that his legacy will continue to shine brightly through the countless students whose lives he has touched.
Dr. LawrenceN. Ezeako, you were not just a teacher; you were a beacon of knowledge, a pillar of support, and a true inspiration to us all. May your soul find eternal peace, and may your memory continue to guide us on our journey of learning and growth.
Dr. Shafi'i Hamidu wrote-in from Minna, Nigeria.
