The intervention by the Prof. Emmanuel Nolue Emenanjo Foundation, also known as the Umu Nolue Foundation, brought excitement to the school community as students, teachers and community leaders gathered to witness the presentation of 60 double-seater desks, 60 double-seater chairs and office tables, a gesture aimed at creating a more conducive teaching and learning environment.
For many of the beneficiaries, the donation was more than the distribution of furniture; it was a reaffirmation that the ideals of the late scholar, who dedicated his life to promoting education, language development and intellectual excellence, remain alive through his children.
Speaking during the presentation, representative of the foundation, Mr. Austin Ubaka, described the late Prof. Emenanjo as an exceptional educator whose influence extended far beyond the classroom.
According to him, the renowned linguist believed education was not merely about acquiring knowledge but about empowering individuals and transforming society.
“Prof. Emenanjo loved learning and devoted his life to inspiring others to learn. He nurtured curiosity, discipline and hope in generations of students. To him, education was a tool for transformation, capable of opening minds and shaping the future,” Ubaka said.
He explained that although the celebrated scholar passed away on February 9, 2016 , his dream did not end with his death.
“His children established the Umu Nolue Foundation to preserve his legacy and continue the educational ideals he cherished. Today’s donation is part of that commitment to ensuring that young people have the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed,” he added.
Ubaka paid glowing tribute to the late academic, recalling his distinguished career as a professor of linguistics, his contributions to the development and standardisation of Igbo grammar and orthography, and his service as Executive Director of the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN).
Receiving the furniture on behalf of the school, the Principal, Mrs. Augustina Omeife , expressed heartfelt appreciation, describing the donation as a major boost to the school’s academic environment.
She said the intervention would significantly improve classroom comfort for both students and teachers.
“Today is truly a day of joy for everyone in Omu Boys Secondary School. We are deeply grateful to the Umu Nolue Foundation for remembering us. We pray that God will richly bless everyone who made this gesture possible and replenish every resource used in supporting our school,” she said.
Mrs. Omeife assured the donors that the furniture would be carefully maintained and used solely for the benefit of students and staff.
She also appealed to the foundation to sustain its relationship with the school through future interventions.
Also speaking with journalists, the Delta State Coordinator of the foundation, Mr. Ayakpo Agwamah , said the organisation was driven by a vision of “bridging the gaps and building futures” through strategic investments in education.
He noted that the foundation remains committed to supporting schools and empowering young Nigerians in ways that reflect the enduring values and vision of the late Prof. Emenanjo.
The event attracted the Chief Inspector of Education in charge of Oshimili North LGA from the State Ministry of Education, members of the Omu Boys Secondary School Old Boys Association, led by Pastor Solomon Eze, staff and students of the school, media practitioners, elders from the late professor’s family quarters in Ibusa, and other prominent members of the community.
Many of those present described the initiative as a worthy memorial to an iconic scholar whose life’s work continues to inspire educational advancement, proving that while Prof. Emmanuel Nolue Emenanjo may have departed, his enduring investment in learning is still shaping lives and strengthening the future of generations to come.