The former Chairman of the Federal Government and ASUU 2009, renegotiating team, Professor Nimi Briggs has died at the age of 79.
The Federal Government through the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige mourns the death of the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Port-Harcourt,
In a statement signed by the Director Press, Olajide Oshundun, the Labour and Employment minister recalled that Late Briggs did all within his powers as the Chairman of the Committee of the Federal Ministry of Education on Renegotiation of Conditions of Service for university workers, to resolve the industrial crisis in the system, but to no avail.
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Ngige particularly remembered the dexterity with which Briggs played his role as a pivotal point during the eight-month strike of ASUU, trying to bring his colleagues to embrace dialogue, but it yielded no fruits.
He paid glowing tribute to the late Professor for his contributions to intellectualism and the field of Medicine, particularly in the area of obstetrics and gynaecology, saying his achievements in academia remain indelible.
Late professor Briggs served as Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, from 1995-1996, before his appointment as substantive Vice Chancellor, serving from 2000-2005.
The late emeritus professor was also the founder and Chairman of the Committee of Vice Chancellors and former Chairman of the Board of the National Hospital, Abuja.
In addition to Late Briggs’s contributions to the academia and university administration, he contributed intellectually through his writings in bringing peace to the Niger Delta during the days of armed militancy in the region.
(Editor: Ena Agbanoma)
