It was a moment of joy, heartfelt tributes, and emotional reunions as the legendary academic icon and mentor, Professor Alphonsus Ekpe Udoh, was laid to rest in his hometown, Ikwen, Obot Akara Local Government Area.
The Funeral Mass, held at Sacred Heart Parish, Ikwen, drew a massive crowd. The church overflowed with family, friends, colleagues, traditional rulers, and members of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN). They all gathered to pay their final respects to the first Professor to emerge from Obot Akara LGA — a man whose life embodied service, scholarship, and community upliftment.
Prof Alphonsus Ekpe Udoh: A Pathfinder and a People’s Professor
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Akaniyene Ntebeno, the Parish Priest, described Prof. Udoh as “a pathfinder and a man who was always there for his people.”
He fondly recalled how the late professor humorously demystified local myths by saying: “The only Ekpo (spirit) that slaps and kills people is hypertension.”
Prof. Udoh regularly conducted free medical checkups for his community, saving lives through awareness and preventive care.
A Bishop’s Tribute to a Friend
The Catholic Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Diocese, Most Rev. Camillus Raymond Umoh, paid glowing tribute to his departed friend. He described Prof. Udoh as “my closest friend”, recalling how the professor stood by him after his appointment as Bishop in 2010.
Bishop Umoh also revealed that Prof. Udoh was the brain behind the St. Philip and James Group in Calabar — a fellowship that united indigenes of Ikot Ekpene Diocese residing in the city.
A Towering Academic Legacy
Prof. Udoh’s academic career remains a source of inspiration to many. A renowned Chemical Pathologist, he made tremendous contributions to the University of Calabar, where he served in several key positions, including:
- Dean, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences
- Deputy Provost, College of Medical Sciences
- Member, University of Calabar Governing Council
He supervised over 20 Ph.D. dissertations and numerous M.Sc. theses, mentoring a generation of scholars and professionals across Nigeria and beyond.
Until his passing, Prof. Udoh continued to support the Department of Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Uyo, offering mentorship and academic guidance.
Prof Alphonsus Ekpe Udoh: A Man of Faith and Service
Beyond academia, Prof. Udoh was a devout Catholic and a proud alumnus of SCOSSI (St. Columbanus Secondary School school, ikwen).
His life of faith and community service inspired many within the church and the college community.
In his honor, the management and students of SCOSSI played an active role in the funeral, celebrating one of their most distinguished alumni.
Prof. Udoh’s life reminds us that no matter how high we rise, our greatest achievement lies in the lives we touch and the values we uphold.
Final Farewell and Dignitaries in Attendance
The funeral ceremony drew dignitaries from the academic, professional, and religious spheres. Notable among them were: Dr. Casmir Ifeanyi, 15th AMLSN National President, Prof. Paul Inyangetoh, Pioneer Dean, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Apostle Dr. Ekerette Bassey, AMLSN State Chairman, Members of the AMLSN State Executive Council and several academic colleagues.
Their presence was a testament to Prof. Udoh’s far-reaching impact across disciplines and institutions.
An Enduring Legacy
As Prof. Alphonsus Ekpe Udoh takes his final rest, the academic world, the Church, and his community celebrate a life of faith, scholarship, and mentorship.
His legacy lives on in the countless lives he influenced — in classrooms, laboratories, and communities across Nigeria.
The legend may rest, but his legacy lives forever.
Written by : Ekemini Raymond
