By Amaechi Agbo

According to Robert Green in his assessment of great men, he said “A great man is always willing to be little. A great man does not seek applause or place; he seeks for truth; he seeks the road to happiness, and what he ascertains, he gives to others. No great man lives in vain. The history of the world is but the biography of great men.

Born on this day in 1971, young and accomplished Professor Uche Ugwuanyi, a Professor of Accounting in the Department of Accountancy at the Enugu State  University of Science and Technology, ESUT, is a familiar name to every staff, student and most especially within the management circle.  

A lecturer per excellence, Professor Uche Ugwuanyi has distinguished himself not just within his profession, department and the university environment but is a beckon of hope to humanity.

A little kid in the 70s, a boy with visions in the 80s, transformed his visions to realities in the 90s. His aspirations in the 2000s, accomplishments in the 2010s defined him not just as a man of great valour but a humble being with the heart of golden in the 2020s, helping humanity to redefine their aspirations.

A future moulder, the Directorate of ESUT Entrepreneurship Development Centre, EDC, where Professor Ugwauanyi is the Director, has become the reservoir of ESUT academic and entrepreneurial incubation. His few years as EDC Director has transformed the centre into a bastion, churning out future discoverers who are already changing the landscape of the nation in business, science, technology, among others.  

Hailing from Orba, in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, he has made significant contributions to the academic community, the society and humanity at large. His impressive educational background, having obtained his B.Sc. in Accounting and Master of Business Administration in Accounting from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.

Driven by a thirst for knowledge, he furthered his education at the University of Nigeria, where he obtained his Master of Science degree in Marketing with a specialization in Public Relations. He further pursued his academic interests at Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, where he bagged an M.Sc./Ph.D. in Accounting.

Throughout his career, he has held various leadership positions within the academic institution. He previously served as the Director of Industrial Training at ESUT and currently serves as the Director of the Entrepreneurship Centre at the university. His expertise and experience in these roles have greatly influenced the development of students’ practical skills and entrepreneurial mind-set. These leadership roles highlight his commitment to both academic and practical aspects of accounting education.

Prof. Ugwuanyi has come a long way with impressive track of championing the struggle for a better world for people around him. He is never satisfied until the people crossing his path find a front for physical, psychological and financial satisfactions. His insatiable quest on what to do to put smiles in the faces of his people, give humanity the reason to live a fulfilled life.

His professional affiliations demonstrate his commitment to excellence in his field. He is a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) and an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Nigeria (CITN). Additionally, he is recognized as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN). These memberships highlight his dedication to staying updated with the latest industry practices and contributing to the advancement of the accounting profession.

Until recently, professional accountants mostly domiciled in the Southeast zone had been facing challenges of travelling outside their work places and outside the zone to enrol for the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria’s examinations. This had really created hardship for them in terms of temporarily relieving themselves of their jobs, accommodation, travelling, feeding and other costs while away. But like the ex machina, Prof. Uche came into the picture, pushed relentlessly for the people, and got approval for a new centre in the state. This is a huge relief and celebratory intervention many never saw coming. He did it without flaunting it. He did it without pride. He did it for the prosperity of humanity. He did it to ease the plights and sweat of his people. His professorial qualification didn’t end in papers. He has shown advanced shift in paradigms and how to go about it.

Being a bridge builder and a link connecting different strata and the youth demography, the erudite professor has wiped tears from a good number of jobless youths through mentorship and role-modelling. He would connect them to the right channels, encourage them on the best steps that would earn them entrepreneurial sufficiency and capacity building. His is a mission dedicated to human capital development and human growth. Many have drawn inspiration from him and now spreading that goodwill to other people. It’s a chain of infectious gratitude extended to others.

As a renowned scholar, he has made significant contributions to the accounting field through his research. He has authored numerous scholarly works that have been published in reputable local and international journals, showcasing his expertise and deep understanding of the subject. Furthermore, he actively participates in both local and international conferences, expanding his knowledge and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, he finds joy in his personal life. He is happily married to Dr. Mrs. Onyinye Sonia Ugwuanyi, and together they are blessed with children. His commitment to both his family and his professional endeavours showcases his ability to balance personal and professional responsibilities effectively.

More importantly, he is a highly respected academic and professional in the field of accounting. His extensive educational background, leadership positions, professional affiliations, research contributions, and awards all demonstrate his dedication to advancing the field of accounting and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and accountants.

In recognition of his exceptional work and dedication to the academic and professional realms, he has been honoured with several awards throughout his career. These accolades serve as a testament to his exemplary contributions and solidify his standing as a respected figure in the field of accounting.

Prof. Uche Ugwuanyi is such a personality that frequents old people’s homes, less-privileged, orphanages, hospitals, etcetera, to give back to the society and make sure everyone is happy.

Even as he celebrates yet another year today, May 15, 2024, his positive impacts on the lives of the people will not be forgotten in a hurry as he keeps pushing, speaking and fighting for a world where all mankind can fulfil their destiny. A world of renewed faith in humanity indeed is being driven to a new trajectory.

Just yesterday, at the Faculty of Management Sciences Appraisal board meeting, he was everywhere, with his fellow professors and head of departments, interacting with the staff who are due for promotion, guiding them on how to file their files aright.

William Shakespeare in one of his classic plays, Twelfth Night, said that “Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them,” Professor Uche Ugwuanyi is an embodiment of all and indeed, a man of the people.