Once a soldier, always a soldier, a common maxim goes. Even at retirement, the batch of gallantry worn by a soldier cannot be withdrawn. The same goes to a teacher. At any point in time, a teacher remains a teacher. Wether it was in the kindergarten, or the nursery and primary, or even secondary, the mere fact that one still recognises his teacher, can be the real game changer. While some persons have positive experiences to share about their teachers, others cannot forget the ‘ugly’ strands of life lessons learnt from meeting some categories of men and women as their teachers. As I pend down this lines of thought, shying away from mine is never an option.
Dr. Udeme Nnanna could simply be known as a trailblazer in many ways. He is one who has obtained grace to mould lives into form. From formal settings to informal, Dr Nnanna possesses excellent spirit of refinement with which he deploys to repair the destinies of men. As he turns 60 years on Saturday, April 12, 2025, I simply hang my verse in a balance, while sharing my personal experience with him.
It was in 2008 that I stepped my feet to the Polytechnic. There I was to pursue my dream as a communicator in AMASCOS. In those days, once you were fully registered, you would be left with two options. You either communicate or you perish. Alas, I did not fail to communicate and really never perished, until one faithful day.
I never knew my Head of Department then. He was the Chief Press Secretary to the then Governor Godswill Akpabio. I was more friendly with Fr Thomas Ebong who then was the Dean, School of Communication Arts. Dr Nnanna gradually resumed from Government House to take charge. A day came when Dr Udeme Nnanna stepped into the class to introduce himself. I still recall how he stepped-in in his creamy short sleeve up-and-down jacket. He looked sharp and stern. His works were sharp, piercing and sinking deep into my soul. Comely and contagious in his aura and charisma, he took us through what he described as Course Introduction. I thought I had seen it all, practically endeared to the course of my study through those who lectured me. I did not know one more lecturer was yet to be revealed. I must confess that I fell in love with him. But I never knew I was beholding a man who would eventually “steal” my heart and “break” it into fragments.
Dr. Udeme Nnanna’s teaching style is akin to mentoring and knowledge sharing. As a lecturer in Features Writing at the Polytechnic, he skillfully weaves together real-life experiences from his own career to illustrate key lessons. His book, “Age of Videots,” is a treasure trove of personal anecdotes, showcasing his bravery and commitment to journalism. From war coverage to crisis reporting in the Bakassi and other creeks, Dr. Nnanna’s stories paint a vivid picture of the challenges and risks that come with the profession.
One cannot help but be moved by the sheer passion and conviction that drives Dr. Nnanna’s work. His willingness to put his life on the line in pursuit of a story is a powerful reminder of the importance of journalism in shedding light on the human experience. As a student, being exposed to such raw and unvarnished accounts can be both humbling and transformative. The emotional impact of his stories is palpable, leaving a lasting impression on those who have had the privilege of learning from him. Dr. Nnanna’s legacy as a journalist and educator reveals his enduring power of career passion and dedication. Many times while paying attention to his lectures, a well of tears would gradually build in my eyes. Sometimes as I attempt to suppress it from rolling down my cheeks, the compressed tears would always burst out, leaving my hands soaked.
It was July 2017, and I was attending a Retool workshop by the then Patrick Albert led Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Akwa Ibom, when again Nnanna stood up to open old wounds. Alongside Mr. Anietie Usen, author of “Audacious Journalism,” Udeme Nnanna and others were resource persons at the event.
Like never before, Dr. Nnanna and Usen shared their experiences of the hazards of journalism, recounting countless stories of danger and hardship. Their tales of bravery and sacrifice in the face of adversity struck a chord, and I felt my heart breaking into shreds.
The weight of their words was crushing, and I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the emotional turmoil that came with it. Dr. Nnanna’s stories, in particular, seemed to pierce my very soul, leaving me raw and vulnerable. His teachings, though meant to educate and inspire, had a profound impact on me, forcing me to confront the harsh realities of the journalism profession. In that moment, I was reminded of the sacrifices that journalists like Dr. Nnanna make in pursuit of truth, and the emotional toll it can take on those who dare to tell the stories that need to be told.
That “Journalism Retool”, which was in collaboration with the Next Edition Newspaper led by Prof Ibanga Isine, indeed had a toll on my mental health, crashing the hold of my emotional bank. In fact, I couldn’t pretend anymore after the event. I was compelled by emotion, rather than intellect when I wrote a heart-breaking article with the title, “Journalism: When Melancholy Drags Me Behind”. Like strong pool of passion, many readers of that article called me from far and near to confess how they wept profusely while reading through it. Indeed, Dr. Nnanna’s words cut deep, reopening wounds I thought had long healed.
In 2020, Dr. Udeme Nnanna’s kind gesture left me speechless and overwhelmed with emotion. He offered me the rare privilege of co-authoring a review of his friend Anietie Usen’s wave-making bildungsroman, “Village Boy”. I felt seen and valued. As his student, being elevated to the top echelon of his academic circle was an honour that brought tears to my eyes. The review’s publication in prominent media platforms like Premium Times and later as an academic paper in a national journal only added to the magnitude of this gesture.
Dr. Nnanna’s humility and willingness to share his expertise and platform with me spoke volumes about his character. His actions not only broke my heart in the best possible way, but also instilled in me a sense of gratitude and loyalty. As a lecturer, he demonstrated that mentorship can be a powerful tool for growth, and his legacy continues to inspire me.
In the twilight of my polytechnic days, a crisis loomed large. With final exams just two weeks away, I mustered the courage to approach Dr. Udeme Nnanna with a pressing concern. Despite being scheduled in the timetable, our “Economics of Mass Media” course had not been taught even once. Dr. Nnanna’s response was swift and decisive. After verifying the claim with the class representative, he sprang into action, summoning the lecturer in charge to report for duty. This bold move ensured that our class could complete the course within the remaining time, salvaging our academic session.
Dr. Nnanna’s timely intervention was nothing short of heroic. His swift action not only rescued me but also my entire class from the brink of disaster. Without his decisive leadership, we would have been forced to repeat a session, a setback that would have had far-reaching consequences. Instead, Dr. Nnanna’s prompt response enabled us to stay on track, completing the course and sitting for our exams without a hitch. This again, left me in tears.
Perhaps this is the most personal and touching experience I’ve had with Dr Udeme Nnanna. I am pretty sure he forgot this as soon as he made it happen. But no, the deed was done and it got registered in the deepest places of my memory.
In one of the days during my final exams at the polytechnic, Dr. Udeme Nnanna’s benevolent intervention was the only solution. It was a huge predicament, having failed to complete my school fees payment despite making partial payments on two occasions. The prospect of being unable to sit for my exams due to this administrative hurdle seemed insurmountable. As I was flung out of the hall by men on duty, I became hopeless until the thought of Dr Nnanna rammed into my head. I rushed into his office to explain my situation and pleading for his assistance. He swiftly provided me with a note which I took to the invigilators. I did and was allowed to write all papers before I later made the payment. Truth is, while I cleared my Year One fees in one stretch, I had to pay four times before I could complete my Year Two fees.
Obviously, Dr. Nnanna’s kindness and understanding not only alleviated my immediate academic concerns but also left an indelible mark on my life. The fact that I had to make four separate payments to clear my Year Two fees, unlike the previous year, underscores the sponsorship difficulties students do face in school. Nevertheless, Dr. Nnanna’s intervention transformed a potentially disastrous situation into a manageable one, allowing me to focus on my studies and ultimately complete my exams. This experience reinforced my conviction that Dr. Nnanna is a guardian angel, whose role in looking after the underprivileged cannot escape acknowledgement.
Of course, Dr. Nnanna’s has accumulated several laurels to his name. He pioneered training for Akwa Ibom indigenes to write the APCON qualifying examination, brought the IIJ campus to Uyo, where thousands have been trained as professional journalists. He also hosted the first MASTERCLASS on Writing, Protocol and Public Affairs Management, and founded the Uyo Book Club. These initiatives have had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals, contributing to the development of a vibrant and informed citizenry. His leadership and commitment to empowering others have left an indelible mark on the state, and his legacy continues to inspire and motivate others.
In all these areas, Dr. Nnanna’s impact on my life has been immense, and I am forever grateful for his guidance and mentorship. His selfless dedication to empowering others still brings me to tears whenever I reflect on the profound difference he has made in my life. As my teacher turns 60, I cannot escape the compelling thoughts of his milk of human kindness that has provided a soothing trajectory to my life. While it is impossible not to join thousands of his students and mentees to wish him well at 60, it is also improbable not to recall that days he made me breakdown in tears.
