Prof. John Ibemesi: Exit Of Extraordinary Scholar
EMERITUS Prof. John Akolisa Ibemesi has passed on. Ibemesi was born on November 25, 1942, in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria. He was a native of Eziaja Village in Neni, Anaocha Local Council, Anambra State. He died on December 16, 2020 at the age of 78 and will be buried on February 26, 2021 at his home town.
A scholar of extraordinary repute, Prof. Ibemesi had many academic awards, recognitions, and scholarly publications in the area of Physical and Polymer Chemistry. Starting out as UNN Best graduating Student ( Second Class Upper) in Chemistry, 1972, he went on to Michigan State University for his PHD. ( 19731978) in Physical/ Polymer Chemistry and post- doctoral fellowship in Macromolecular Chemistry at Michigan Molecular Institute, Michigan ( 1978- 79). He joined the UNN teaching staff thereafter. He held positions as lecturer, Professor, Head of Department Industrial Chemistry ( 1998- 2000), Dean of Physical Sciences ( 2004- 2006), and retired in the year 2007 from UNN after 35 years of meritorious service.
He served as Neni President General from 2008- 2015; founded Neni Education Foundation and awarded numerous undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to indigent Neni students. As post- graduate, he completed the Neni Town Hall, including well- equipped library donated by him from Michigan State University in collaboration with Dr. Ike Iyioke. Until his demise, he was the Dean of Physical Sciences at Caritas University, Enugu, Enugu State.
Left to mourn him are retired Prof. ( Mrs.) Felica Ibemesi, wife; children, in- laws and grandchildren. They include Barr. Paul Ezeani; Dr. Ike Iyioke and Dr. Ifeoma Iyioke, Michigan State University; Chris Okeke, Lagos- based businessman; Barr. Hilary Ezeude; Dr. Simon Ozomma, Ebuka Osakwe; Emeka and Tochukwu Ibemesi.
• Dr. and Dr- Mrs. Ike and Ifeoma Iyioke for the Ibemesi family.