The remains of the former Deputy Registrar in the University of Calabar, John Arekam Obongha, were yesterday, Saturday, November 23, 2024, laid to rest in Agoi Ibami, Yakurr LGA, Cross River State.
The 80 – year old former university administrator, passed away on November 4, 2024, after battling a string of illnesses since April 2022.
Dimunitive in size, packed a friendly disposition and known popularly as “Alekam”, the deceased was born on June 22, 1944. After obtaining a First School Leaving Certificate in 1958, he studied privately, without secondary school education, and snapped up a General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) in 1973, while working as a secretary to the very popular Roman Catholic missionary priest, late Fr. Campion.
In 1975, he gained admission to the University of Ibadan, studied English and graduated with a second class upper division in 1978. He joined the University of Calabar in 1980 as an Administrative Officer, rose through the ranks and retired as a Deputy Registrar.
A knight of the Knights of St. John International, Obongha is survived by his wife, Grace and two children, Joseph and Ann, in-laws, grandchildren, relatives and a numerous host of others.
