NILDS DG Pays Tribute to Late Professor Okello Oculi

By Chinedu Echianu

The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, has paid tribute to the late Professor Okello Oculi, a renowned academic who passed away at the age of 83. Professor Sulaiman described Professor Oculi’s death as a personal loss and a significant blow to Africa’s academic community.

In a statement issued by his media adviser, Mohammad Abdulkadri on Monday, Professor Sulaiman recalls his time as a student under Professor Oculi’s tutelage at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he was deeply influenced by the late academic’s teachings. “Professor Okello Oculi shaped my intellectual horizons, inspired my deep scholarly instincts, and sharpened my interest for Africanism,” he said.

Professor Sulaiman praised Professor Oculi for his contributions to research and teaching over four decades in Nigeria, particularly in promoting African culture and unity. He cited Professor Oculi’s pioneering work on Mock Summits with the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the African Union Headquarters (AU) as a testament to his dedication to African causes.

The NILDS DG also remembered Professor Oculi’s love for African culture, noting his preference for traditional African attire over Western wear. “He had a disdain for western attires and a principled obsession with African outfits, which testified to his unwavering love for everything Africa,” Professor Sulaiman said.

While praying for the soul of Professor Oculi to rest in peace, Professor Sulaiman expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of the late academic, wishing them the fortitude to bear the loss.