Professor Frank Nwachukwu Ndili, renowned as the first African Professor of Nuclear Physics and esteemed as one of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka’s most exceptional Vice-Chancellors, has passed away.

A statement signed by his Children Dr. Isioma Ndili-Nwokolo and Dr. Amaechi Ndili announcing his demise reads:

The Ndili family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of their beloved patriarch, Professor Frank Nwachukwu Ndili, on February 13, 2024.

However, amidst their sorrow, they find solace in celebrating a life characterized by greatness, love, and exemplary leadership.

Professor Frank Ndili, renowned for his distinguished career as the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria and his eminence as an Emeritus Professor of Nuclear Physics, leaves behind a legacy that will forever be remembered. Born on October 6, 1934, his journey was marked by numerous accomplishments, earning him the respect and admiration of colleagues, students, and the broader community.

Throughout his life, Professor Ndili exemplified the values of leadership, love, and excellence. His commitment to academic excellence and his contributions to the field of nuclear physics have left an indelible mark on generations of scholars. Beyond academia, he was a devoted husband to Dame Edna Ndili, a loving father to his children, Dr. Isioma Ndili-Nwokolo, Dr. Amaechi Ndili, Dr. Awele Ndili, Dr. Ogugua Ndili Obi, Dr. Unoma Ndili Okorafor, Dr. Obianuju Ndili, a cherished grandfather and great-grandfather to numerous descendants.

In his home, surrounded by family and loved ones, Professor Ndili peacefully transitioned from this world, leaving behind a rich tapestry of memories and a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His enduring legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations, reminding us of the importance of integrity, compassion, and service to others.

As the Ndili family mourns the loss of their beloved patriarch, they take comfort in the knowledge that his great, generous, and kind soul now rests in perfect peace. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of all who were touched by his remarkable life.

In honoring Professor Frank Nwachukwu Ndili, let us reflect on his legacy with gratitude and reverence, drawing inspiration from his remarkable journey of leadership, love, and excellence.

Responding promptly to this transition to the eternal realm, one of Professor Ndili’s proteges, former Chairman of Committees on Aviation, States & LG Affairs, Tourism & Culture at Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Ozo Rt Hon Barrister KGB Oguakwa, delivered a heartfelt lament as a tribute and expression of condolence.

“AN IROKO HAS FALLEN!

A larger than life previously living legend departs.

Scrupulous honesty never had a better icon.

Prodigious intellect likewise awed by his towering academic endowments. Laurels would force an almost permanent stoop had he deigned to wear them all…feathers on his cap rival those of the fluffiest cock on the best or worst days.

Compassion, Empathy, Selflessness, hardwork, diligence, acute sense of duty, indignant insistence on form, rules, practice, procedure, commitment to uplifting the underprivileged, placing the displaced – compelling scenes, Acts in a fascinating value-adding non-fiction tale which was his life amongst us.

Whether in front of the class, chalk and duster in hand, or at the file-cabinet infested room as Head of Department or at the head of the longer table as Dean of Faculty, or when he bestrode his administrative environment like a singular, yet cooperative colossus, turning the campuses into one huge post-civil war reconstruction site, as VC, picking up trash in the foyer of Kwame Nkrumah Hall and thus engendering Students’ commitment to environmental sanitation, which elixir’s stronger than the humility of a leader’s example?…Professor Ndili is legend.

Always will be.

To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die.

Incoherence o’ertakes me. I’ll find words another scribble. Perhaps.

However, only death can stand between me and the inevitable “Asaba” obsequies. Yet, not even the honour of a graveside hail shall suffice.

Adieu great soul.

Adieu my personal Vice-Chancellor.

My unconquerable Hero departs.

My Family’s as distraught as thine, Okaa omee 1 n’UNN.

Fortitude. God’s especial consolation. Our profound commiserative solidarity. All, abide.

Requiesce in pace, sir.

God Above All!

KGB Oguakwa, (Nigeria, 14th February, 2024)”