Accolades as Educationist Launches Autobiography
Emmanuel Otaru
A retired educationist and diplomat, Mrs. Teresa Chukwuma, penultimate Wednesday, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, launched an autobiography, “Footprints & Milestones.”
Published in 2018, the autobiography explores the life of one of Nigeria’s foremost educationist and first deputy permanent delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO in Paris.
The Chairman of the occasion, Navy Captain George Alily (rtd), said, “Teresa never let a teachable moment to go unutilised. She has touched and transformed the lives of many. She is a precursor of education and a standard bearer. She is a fearless warrior”.
The reviewer of the book, Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro, paid glowing tributes to the author, saying, “she pushed herself beyond professional boundaries, has nerve to solve any problems and situations she finds herself. Her autobiography can serve as a guide to future generations. She is a trail blazer”.
On his part, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, while presenting the book, said, “the author is a teacher of teachers, and has impacted lives. She has lit so many candles, through her hard-work and humility, she finds herself on the world stage”.
The author while giving the vote of thanks, said she was so overwhelmed, so glad and grateful to God for making it possible for her to write the book for people to learn from her experiences.
“On her return from Paris in 1974 Teresa was appointed Foundation Principal of Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos and by 1977, the Principal of Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos.
“After a successful tenor in Queen’s College, Teresa was promoted Director of Education and posted to the Ministry headquarters, where she headed several departments spanning over 10 years. During this period the book “Footprints & Milestones” gives an elaborate and interesting account of Teresa’s active participation in various Board and Council meetings both in Nigeria and overseas. Teresa has travelled to more than 40 countries in her over 45 years of service to Nigeria and humanity”.