Motivation And Passion For Lecturing (1982-2024) Valedictory Lecture

Abstract

Life as an academician is one of the most fulfilling on earth. However, motivation is necessary for one to accept to be a lecturer. Successful academicians are those whose priority in life is not acquisition of wealth but imparting of knowledge on others, research and dissemination of research findings through publications and conferences.

The author was motivated to become a lecturer by Prof. Anthony Chukwuma Onyeagocha his mentor and academic father. He encouraged him to accept this profession through prophecies that were eventually fulfilled and strict teaching which made him imbibe the virtues of integrity, passion, hard work and determination to succeed. As a result, the author rose, in spite of obstacles, from Assistant lecturer in 1982 to Professor in 1994. Humility and commitment to the ideals of thorough academicians led to this success and enabled him in his turn to mentor and produce academicians who are also Professors. One year after been promoted Professor, the author established Global Journal Series to help young academics to climb fast to the top of the academic ladder. He learned from his supervisor never to be harsh or to oppress any student under his care. The prayers of these students and the Grace of God enabled the author to attend 67 learned conferences during which he presented papers visiting every continent of the world. He capped it with 121 publications including 25 books before his retirement on 5^th November 2024 after forty two years, eight months of meritorious service to the academia in University of Calabar, Nigeria and other Universities where he served as Professor on sabbatical leave.