The Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB) has nominated the immediate past governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, for its legacy award.

The NSBMB said Ikpeazu’s nomination has proven that not all academics are lost in the manipulative corridors of power once they get into appointive or elective office.

The society, in a letter dated October 16 and signed by its president, Prof. Matthew Owonda Wegwu, said it is certainly not part of conventional logic for a thoroughbred Nigerian academic who holds political office, let alone one holding the high office of governor to show proclivity for the academia.

The NSBMB commended Ikpeazu for remaining marginally or fully engaged in academic activities while in office as the governor of Abia State.

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It noted that Ikpeazu constantly engaged himself in the teaching of Biochemistry at the Abia State University and “published over 44 articles in peer-reviewed journals, most of which were the prestigious Scopus indexed journals.”

NSBMB stated that the former governor also co-authored a book on Environmental Biochemistry, while in power.

It added: “Dr Ikpeazu has brought honour to the Biochemistry profession and on account thereof, the National Executive Council of NSBMB unanimously resolved to confer a Legacy Award on Your Excellency.

“This Award Ceremony will take place at the Auditorium of National Universities Commission in Abuja on December 5, 2023.”

The award is coming a few months after Ikpeazu was inducted into the Governing Body of the Society, noting that the former governor has accepted the award with excitement and humility.

The Star