Chukwuedu Nwokolo

Professor Chukwuedu Nwokolo FRCP, RCPE, MRCS, OFR, Sc.D, LRCP, MRCP
Chukwuedu Nwokolo
Born	(1921-04-19)19 April 1921
Died	18 May 2014(2014-05-18) (aged 93) New York
Nationality	Nigerian
Education	Human, medical and life sciences
Alma mater	Yaba Higher College, University of Ibadan, Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup: London, University of Minnesota
Occupation(s)	Medical doctor, humanitarian, research scientist and professor of medicine
Years active	1947–2004
Known for	Discovering and mapping out the area of lung disease in Eastern Nigeria, with a study of the disease in Africa and clinical research for its control [1][2]
Notable work	An Introduction to Clinical Medicine
Title	Emeritus Professor
Spouse	Njideka Priscilla Nwokolo: née: Okonkwo
Children	Chuka Nwokolo, Ngozi Nwokolo Okpara, Obioma Nwokolo Meyerson, Mezie Nwokolo, Chioma Nwokolo Nwangwu, Njide Jr. Nwokolo Ojukwu, Chiedu Jr. Nwokolo
Parent(s)	Nathaniel Ezuma Nwokolo and Matilda Nwokolo: née: Efobi
Relatives	Keziah Ndukwe: née Nwokolo (sister), late Mercy Obiagwu: née Nwokolo (sister), Ikenna Ephraim Nwokolo (brother), Uchenna Nwokolo (brother), Ifeyinwa C. Nzeako: née Nwokolo (sister), Ebele J. Maduewesi: née: Nwokolo (sister)

Chukwuedu Nathaniel II Nwokolo (19 April 1921 – 18 May 2014) was an internationally distinguished tropical diseases, nutrition, human, medical, biological and life sciences expert; plus research scientist, scholar, pioneer medical doctor, author, humanitarian and acclaimed professor of medicine. He was Nigerian, and is listed in the Who's Who in Nigeria series by Newswatch. Nwokolo was outstandingly recognised worldwide for discovering and mapping out the area of paragonimiasis lung disease in Eastern Nigeria, with a study of the disease in Africa and clinical research for its control. Nwokolo founded SICREP: Sickle Cell Research Programme to effectively fight the disease in Nigeria and globally.

Nwokolo was a yaws eradication, mass vaccinations and lung disease consultant plus advisor for the Geneva: Switzerland headquartered WHO: World Health Organization. From 1963 to 1964, he was a Rockefeller Foundation fellow in gastroenterology at the University of Minnesota. He was honoured in 1964 with the Edinburgh: Scotland "Free Man of the City" award and "Key to the City of Edinburgh," having been inducted as a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. He was a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, fellow of the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College: FMCP, fellow of the West African College of Physicians: FWACP, and fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science.

Nwokolo had Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons: MRCS and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians: MRCP; as well as being an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic: OFR. He was chairman: joint council of ASUTECH: Anambra State University of Technology – now Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Enugu based IMT: Institute of Management and Technology.[3] Nwokolo was also board chairman of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. The Professor Chukwuedu Nwokolo Annual Lecture Series and Award of Prizes for Academic Excellence to stimulate research and scholarship was established in his honour by professor Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba in 2006.

Nwokolo was an advisor to the Federal Government of Nigeria at the National Science and Technology Development Fund. Nwokolo was an in-law of Jaja Wachuku: Nigeria's first Speaker of the House of Representatives, first Nigerian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations; and first Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth Relations. He was a contributor to the Cambridge University published: Principles of Medicine in Africa.

Nwokolo had a Licentiate from the Royal College of Physicians of London, honorary doctor of science from the University of Maiduguri plus another honorary doctor of science from the University of Ibadan; and was a professor emeritus at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, national merit award winner in Nigeria, national chairman and vice-president at West African College of Physicians, pro-chancellor and chairman of council at Ahmadu Bello University; chairman at Medical Research Council of Nigeria, chairman: governing board at National Council for Medical Research, president at Association of Physicians of Nigeria and Ugo-Dibia: Eagle of Medicine.

Early life

Three generations of Nwokolos: Chukwuedu with his parents: Nathaniel and Matilda: née Efobi, his wife: Njideka and their seven children: sitting left to right: Ngozi, Chukwuedu, Chiedu Jr., Lady Njideka, Papa Nnukwu: Nathaniel, and Mama Nnukwu Orifite: Matilda, Njideka Jr., and Chuka. Standing from left to right: Chioma, Mezie and Obioma

Parents and birth

Nwokolo's grandfather was Nwokolo Ikebudu. Nwokolo was born Chukwuedu – God leads or God guides – on Tuesday 19 April 1921 – at Amaimo, now located in Imo State: Nigeria, where his parents worked for Church Missionary Society as evangelists; and was christened Nathaniel after his father. He was the first male child amongst seven children, comprising four girls and 3 boys, born to Matilda and Nathaniel Nwokolo; namely: Chukwuedu Nathaniel II, Keziah, Mercy, Ikenna Ephraim, Uchenna, Ifeyinwa Cecilia and Ebele Josephine. His father: Nathaniel Ezuma Nwokolo of Umuanugwo, Umudala-agbaim, Nkalafia, Irefi, Oraifite:Anambra State was a church teacher; while his mother: Matilda Efobi was from the Efobi family of Umuagu, Umuezopi, Oraifite. She was trained at the Niger CMS: Church Missionary Society Onitsha, at the home of the general manager of schools: Reverend W. R. Blackett from the West Indies. Blackett and his wife were disciplinarians, and from them Matilda learnt Victorian era styles and culture.

Father's occupation

Nwokolo's father, Nathaniel Ezuma Nwokolo began his teaching and evangelistic career in 1917, after his marriage to Matilda Efobi in December 1916. He taught mainly in Owerri Province where all his seven children were born. He retired from church teaching as a catechist in 1940, and settled in Oraifite, his native home, where he became a community leader, local government councillor, chief, and customary court judge. At his death in 1978, Nwokolo's father: Nathaniel I was 86 years. From his parents, Nwokolo imbibed an abiding character of punctuality, smart work, humaneness, discipline, honesty, morality and belief in God – in line with the Church Missionary Society.

Education

Primary learning

Nwokolo started primary school at Ezinihitte-Mbaise in today's Imo State. Leah Onumonu, a teacher from Oguta haboured Nwokolo in her home. Onumonu narrated that Nwokolo was a determined pupil who did not let illness separate him from one of his earliest books called: Azundu.[4] Later, before his primary school ended, Nwokolo lived with his encouraging paternal uncle: Zeph Nwokolo, who was a school master at Mbieri Anglican School. Also, Zeph noted that, during his 5th year in primary school, before Nwokolo left for Government College Umuahia, he could, off-hand, recite multiplication tables from two to twenty.

Government College Umuahia

In 1933, from primary 5, after great success in the competitive entrance examination to Government College Umuahia, Nwokolo got a government scholarship for his secondary school studies. At Government College Umuahia, Nwokolo studied the following subjects: mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, religious knowledge, English language, metal and woodwork, and commercial agriculture. He was involved in sports activities, such as: table tennis, athletics, football, cricket and hockey. Including farming, Nwokolo was also in the choir group of Reverend Robert Fisher, founding principal of Government College Umuahia. In 1939, at the outbreak of the Second World War, Nwokolo completed his studies at Government College Umuahia with a sense of achievement in science education, high moral character and humane discipline. In his 1991 book: Similia: essays on anomic Nigeria, Ken Saro-Wiwa listed Nwokolo as one of the four "Umuahians" who won Nigeria's National Merit Award.

Yaba years

In 1939, for entry into Higher College Yaba, Nwokolo passed his examination with excellence; and got government scholarship to study medicine. Higher College Yaba prepared students for entry into major professional courses such as: medicine, veterinary medicine, science, forestry, engineering, survey, agriculture and teaching. The 18 months course which was the equivalent of the intermediate science or arts bachelor's degree was meant to give the students advanced basic science or arts background. For medical students, it was called premedical course, and consisted of the study of: botany, zoology, chemistry and physics at advanced level. According to one of Nwokolo‟s contemporaries at Yaba Higher College: Pius Okigbo, who entered in 1941, Nwokolo was "studious, serious, somewhat shy, and witty without ostentation or exuberance" Two notable Nigerians on the teaching staff who provided mentorship to Nwokolo and served as role models were: Titus Seye Ejiwunmi and Michael Etikerentse Okorodudu. Most of the students that went to Government College Umuahia went on to Yaba College which was the only science based institution of higher learning at the time.

The pre-clinical subjects Nwokolo studied for the next 18 months were: organic chemistry, anatomy, histology, physiology, and pharmacology. During the last 3 years of clinicals, Nwokolo studied: pathology, public health, medicine, obstetrics, gynaecology and surgery. Nwokolo's medical course lasted seven years including internship. General Hospital Lagos was used as teaching hospital. Outlying hospitals outside Lagos provided maternity facilities for students to practice delivery of babies. Nwokolo had to travel to Aba General Hospital to get the required 45 deliveries. He lived in Aba for 3 months. All the pre-clinical and clinical subjects were taught by British doctors. Nwokolo qualified as a medical doctor in 1946, and consequently got the LMS: Licenciate of the School of Medicine. Also, at graduation, Nwokolo won the Walter Johnson prize in public health. Earlier in 1942, Nwokolo won an award in organic chemistry. Among Nwokolo's generation of fellow students at Yaba Higher College were: Chike Obi, Michael Okpara, Okoronkwo Ogan, Dr. David Ekwulugo, Akintola Williams, Robert Burnley, Victor Mukete and Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi.

Early career

Pioneer Medical Officer

After his internship at Lagos General Hospital, from 1947 to 1949, Nwokolo was posted to serve at General Hospital Enugu under Dr. Richard Savage who was senior specialist surgeon in charge at Enugu. As AMO: assistant medical officer, Nwokolo's work was to attend to all out-patients during week days. Calls outside official working hours were shared in rotation among doctors in the hospital. Nwokolo also attended ward rounds with Dr. Richard Savage, who was mostly in charge of in-patients, together with his RAMC: Royal Army Medical Corps lieutenant Colonel wife: Dr. Dora Janet Burman Savage: née Falconer.

Outside official working hours, Nwokolo practised privately to shore up his AMO yearly salary of £160 GBP. He also carried out research and other activities, such as being an advisor and consultant for WHO: World Health Organization on mass vaccinations and yaws eradication The World Health Organization had proposed complete yaws eradication in highly yaws endemic regions, and provided penicillin for consultant and advisory doctors who were to take part in the project. Nwokolo served World Health Organization at the grassroots, working around his home town Oraifite, Ozubulu, Nnewi and surrounding towns.

University College Ibadan

In 1948, as the University College Ibadan was opening its teaching hospital temporarily at the Ibadan Adeoyo Hospital, the University made a request to the government for junior doctors to work as house officers. Nwokolo was the first of such assistant medical officers to be seconded in 1949. He became the first house officer to Alexander Brown who was the first professor of medicine at University College Ibadan.

At University College Hospital, Nwokolo met his old colleague at Yaba Higher College: Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi, who was already working as house surgeon to professor Margaret Joly of the surgery department. Nwokolo worked in the department of medicine at the University College Hospital from 1949 to 1950, and subsequently proceeded to London, uplifted with a professional letter of recommendation from professor Alexander Brown.

England move and RCPL

Arriving in England in 1950, Nwokolo made East End of London his home. With the recommendation letter from professor Alexander Brown, Nwokolo was able to secure student attachment at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup. The hospital was recognised by the RCPL: Royal College of Physicians of London for the crucial conjoint specialist medical examination: LRCP and MRCP. For his examination, Nwokolo spent intensive time studying and revising his knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology. pharmacology, medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology. Within nine months Nwokolo passed his examinations, and consequently qualified to register and practice in Great Britain. To complete his registration, Nwokolo got medicine and surgery house jobs in Dover.

Specialist medical qualification

At the end of his housemanship in Dover, Nwokolo returned to East End of London and secured a job as a senior house physician in the geriatrics unit of Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup. There, Nwokolo worked towards getting his MRCP: Membership of the Royal College of Physicians under his chief: Dr. Bernfeld, an internal medicine physician. For higher specialist qualifications, Nwokolo, while on the job, arranged and attended lectures and tutorials, given in some London hospitals.

Ugo-Dibia: Chukwuedu and Lady Njideka, his wife, at a ceremony

In 1952, Nwokolo moved up to Edinburgh to prepare further for the MRCP. He attended lectures and tutorials of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and clinics of some consultants. Early in 1953, Nwokolo took the MRCP examination, and passed at first attempt. He was one of the very few Africans to obtain such a highly prized MRCP: Membership of the Royal College of Physicians qualification, and the second Nigerian to do so: the first being Dr. Olu Mabayoje.[5] Armed with the MRCP, Nwokolo went back to his former Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, London. There, he served as a physician. Nwokolo bought himself a brand new Ford Zephyr, and returned to Nigeria – as a highly qualified specialist physician in internal medicine – just on time for his marriage to Njideka Priscilla Nwokolo: née: Okonkwo – on Saturday 4 July 1953.

Major career

Civil service

When he came back from London, Nwokolo returned to the civil service. He was appointed a special grade medical officer. Reorganisation in the service enabled all assistant medical officers to become medical officers after serving a period of one year as house officers. Nwokolo did one year house job in Ibadan before going to the United Kingdom for specialist medical qualification. He also did another year of house jobs in Dover after his highly successful conjoint LRCP and MRCP examination.

With his senior house officer appointment and post MRCP working experience in the United Kingdom, Nwokolo earned his designation as a full medical officer on special grade. General Hospital Enugu was where he mainly served. Nwokolo had his extramural private practice in his home in the evenings. He was in charge of medical wards where in-patients were admitted and treated. Nwokolo taught and supervised junior doctors and house officers who were posted to his unit, including Dr. Wilson Onuigbo, who later became a distinguished professor of pathology.[6][7]

Research

With experience, Nwokolo carried out medical research in the wards as well as in the field. He did major research in endomyocardial fibrosis, endemic goitre, sickle-cell disease and other areas of national need. Fieldwork was usually done during weekends, and included travelling in his car to different locations in Eastern Nigeria plus Northern and Mid-Western Nigeria, as well as to Obudu. Nwokolo published about nine papers based on his research while in the civil service. On the strength of his research and papers, he was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (F.R.C.P.) in 1960, based on recommendations by his boss: professor Alexander Brown and professor Harold Scaborough, a visiting scholar from University of Wales. Nwokolo was also invited to teach as senior lecturer at University College Ibadan by professor Brown. In addition, working with the Rockefeller Foundation, professor Brown recommended Nwokolo for a research fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Minnesota.

Rockefeller Foundation fellowship

For his 1963 to 1964 Rockefeller Foundation fellowship, Nwokolo travelled by MV Aureol ocean liner to Liverpool, and another ship on to United States. At the University of Minnesota: Minneapolis, he was assigned to the gastroenterology unit under professor James Carey,[8] chief of gastroenterology. Carey taught Nwokolo endoscopy of the stomach and duodenum and other medical procedures. Nwokolo studied as a lone post graduate student under Carey. On completing his Rockefeller Foundation fellowship, Nwokolo followed the same shipping route back. He briefly stopped in the United Kingdom, where he was honoured as an Edinburgh "Free Man of the City" and presented with the "Key to the City of Edinburgh" Scotland as a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

Gastroenterology department founding

After his return from the United States, Nwokolo was appointed associate professor of medicine. Subsequently, he set up a sub department of gastroenterology, with senior registrar Dr. Lewis. Nwokolo led research on various gastro-intestinal problems using intestinal biopsies and procedures he learnt in the United States at University of Minnesota. Numerous liver and pancreatic function studies were carried out. Intense, dedicated and diligent teaching of medical students was done. Nwokolo stated that one of his most brilliant students was Jibril Aminu. His long-standing friend: professor Ogunlesi remembered this period of Nwokolo's servant leadership as valuable and inspiring.

Civil War in Nigeria

In 1966, before the Nigerian civil war with Biafra broke out in 1967, with hostilities and killing of Igbo people rising, Nwokolo left Ibadan for Enugu with his wife and children. The political mood in Enugu at the arrival of the returnees from all parts of Nigeria was that of shock and awareness of danger. In Enugu, thousands of corpses and maimed and half dead, deprived, devastated and homeless refugees were pouring in from Northern Nigeria, without any hope of accommodation or food and nourishment. Things even soon got so agonising as civil war eventually broke out between Nigeria and Biafra.

Medical school establishment

For those, such as Nwokolo, who escaped from Ibadan and Western Nigeria, the experience was so terrible that twenty-one specialist doctors mainly from Ibadan and Lagos met and resolved to eatablish a University Teaching Hospital in Enugu. At the meeting were doctors: Nwokolo, Onuaguluchi, Udekwu, Nwako, Nwachukwu, Eziashi, Ikeme, Udeh, Ogan, Uche, Okoro, Kaine, Udeozor, Okafor, Njoku-Obi, Ifekwunigwe, and others. Multiple long planning meetings were held at Nwokolo‟s private residence. Through Dr. Nlogha Okeke plus permanent secretary and chief secretary to the government: chief Onyegbula, approval was rapidly obtained from the military governor: Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu to open a teaching hospital with Enugu General Hospital as base. Ojukwu also approved swift establishment of the faculty of medicine, headed by professor Kodilinye, while Nwokolo became the first head of the department of medicine and associate dean of medicine at the new medical school.

Nwokolo continued to work as head of the department of medicine of the university teaching hospital which had moved to Awka-Etiti when Enugu was threatened during the civil war. Nwokolo also carried out research especially relevant to the terrible war conditions of starvation and malnutrition. He toured churches and public gatherings to educate the people on nutrition and feeding for survival. Several mimeographed papers were produced and distributed for public education. When the Nigerian Civil War ended in 1970, Nwokolo and family returned to Enugu, and found their house looted and the top floor completely razed by fire. He had to do some extensive rebuilding.

With the approval of the Nigerian Federal Government for the re-opening of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nwokolo returned to his position as head of the department of medicine. He was appointed full professor in 1971. Accordingly, renowned Welsh academic, professor Eldryd Parry, who previously served at University College Hospital, Ibadan from 1960, affirms that Nwokolo led and facilitated the establishment of medical schools in Enugu and Nsukka.

Sitting from left to right: Njideka Jr., Ugo-Dibia: Chukwuedu, Lady Njideka, Mezie, Chiedu Jr. Standing from left to right: Ngozi, Chuka, Obioma and Chioma: Enugu: 1982

Family

With his wife: Lady Njideka Nwokolo: née Okonkwo – whom he married on Saturday 4 July: 1953, Nwokolo had seven children, four girls and three boys. His parents had seven children as well. Accordingly, he has many grandchildren. Nwokolo's children are as follows:

Chuka Nwokolo: MD, MRCP, FRCP, born 1954 and educated at Government College Umuahia, International School Ibadan, Kings College Lagos University of Nigeria Nsukka and Institute of Post Graduate Studies London, married to Nwabueze – née: Jaja Wachuku, and is professor of internal medicine and gastro-enterology at Warwick Medical School: University of Warwick plus NHS Trust gold awardee and council member: Royal College of Physicians; Ngozi Nwokolo, born 1956 and educated at Queen‟s School Enugu, University of Nigeria Nsukka and the Nigerian Law School, married to Uzodinma Okpara – son of Michael Okpara, is a barrister; Obioma Nwokolo, born 1959 and educated at Queen's School Enugu [9], Government Secondary School Owerri and University of Ife, married to Buzz Meyerson, is a pharmacist; Mezie Nwokolo, born 1960 and educated at Government College Umuahia and University of Nigeria Nsukka, married to Eziafakaku: née: Onwuka, is an architect; Chioma Nwokolo, MD, born 1962 and educated at Anglican Girls Secondary School Awkunanaw, Enugu and University of Nigeria Nsukka, married to Tochukwu Nwangwu, is assistant professor of internal medicine at Yale University; Njide Jr. Nwokolo, born 1965 and educated at Federal Government College Enugu, University of Benin and in the United States, married to Chuma Ojukwu, is a dentist; including Chiedu Jr. Nwokolo, born 1967 and educated at Federal Government College Enugu, and University of Nigeria Nsukka as an engineer and married to Uju: née: Amanfo.

Starting from his eldest child, Chuka, Nwokolo's grandchildren are in the following order: Munachiso: MRCP and Idu are from Chuka and Nwabueze. Nnanna, Eziola, Zara and Kiki are from Ngozi and Uzodinma Okpara. Logan is from Obioma and Buzz Meyerson. Nmesoma, Nwulia and Nodebenna are from Mezie and Eziafakaku: née: Onwuka. Mobi, Tobi and Kamsi are from Chioma and Tochukwu Nwangwu. Zara, Codi and Sassie are from Njide Jr. and Chuma Ojukwu. Nicole, Vanessa, Witney, Russell and Nylah are from Chiedu Jr. and Uju: née: Amanfo.

Notably, in his immediate family, Nwokolo has three generations of MRCPs: Membership of the Royal College of Physicians – starting from himself, his son: Chuka and his granddaughter: Munachiso, child of Nwabueze and Chuka.

Service and honours

From 1972 to 2004, the following were the achievements, life, career, honours, awards and appointments that came Nwokolo's way during his distinguished life of inspiring and worthy service to humankind:

• 1972 – 75: Dean Faculty of Medicine: University of Nigeria Nsukka, as well as Professor of Medicine: 1971 to 1980
• 1973: Attended an international conference on parasitology in Athens: Greece to present a paper on paragonimiasis
• 1974: Accepted an invitation from the Japanese government as dean and visited the University of Tokyo which was collaborating with University of Nigeria Nsukka in research
• 1977– 1980: Chairman: National Institute for Medical Research Yaba: Nigeria
• 1980: On 21 March, delivered Professor Alexander Brown‟s lecture in Ibadan, titled: Facing the challenge of Medical Research in Nigeria
• 1981: 11 April: Send off party by the Medical Faculty Board Enugu
• 1982: Appointed Emeritus Professor of Medicine: University of Nigeria Nsukka. On 15 July, received the Nigerian National Merit Award as well as Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic: OFR honour from president Shehu Shagari
• 1983: Thanksgiving service for the career of Nwokolo, organised at University of Nigeria Nsukka by Professors Johnson and Ebele Maduewesi
• 1984: Appointed member of Ahmadu Bello University Council. Awarded D.Sc: Honoris causa by the University of Maiduguri. Delivered the convocation lecture of the 1984 University of Benin 4th convocation titled: Traditional Medicine and other Local Resources in Modern Health Programme in Nigeria
• 1985: Appointed chairman: joint council of ASUTECH: Anambra State University of Technology – now Nnamdi Azikiwe University and IMT: Institute of Management and Technology – by Anambra State government following the founding of Anambra State University of Technology. Held office till1986 and was instrumental to the creation of the Awka campus of ASUTECH which later transformed to the present Nnamdi Azikiwe University
• 1986: Appointed board chairman: UCTH: University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. Designed a system of drug supply to the hospital through a "drug revolving loan scheme." With commendation from Nigeria's Minister of Health: professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, Nwokolo served till 1994 following a second term appointment as board chairman of UCTH. He was also appointed member of National Science and Technology Development Fund
• 1987: on 11 February, Nwokolo delivered a lecture to the old boys Government College Umuahia on: "Why is Science Failing in Nigeria?” On 14 April, he was appointed pro-chancellor and chairman of council for Ahmadu Bello University. Also, in April, Nwokolo delivered his obligatory National Merit Award lecture in Bauchi, with the topic: "The Research Mode, The Technology Hurdle, and the Future of Nigeria." He was appointed member project committee on technology at the National Science and Technology Development Fund
• 1988: Honoured with a Doctor of Science degree by the University of Ibadan, together with Olusegun Obasanjo, Matthew Mbu, Michael Ibru and Emmanuel Alayande [10]
• 1989: Outbreak of Lassa Fever with the death of a medical doctor in Nwokolo's private hospital: National Medical Clinic. Nigeria's Minister of Health: Olikoye Ransome-Kuti brought in United States experts to help control the outbreak
• 1990–1991: Nwokolo visited Bulgaria as chairman of the project committee on technology of the National Science and Technology Development Fund. Delivered the 1991 Annual Lecture of Nigerian Post Graduate Medical College, with the topic: Africa‟s Battle for Survival”
• 1993: On 3 December, Nwokolo delivered under the Frontier Lecture Series at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka with subject: On the Nation‟s Moral Decay and Economic Failure: A Challenge to Nigerian Universities
• 1994: Nwokolo initiated a private research organisation called SICREP: Sickle Cell Research Programme to work on sickle cell disease. He later invited other medical colleagues to join. He also delivered a paper on Foundations for Modern Technological Development in Anigbo to Nkpoko-Igbo, an Igbo development group
• 1995: Delivered a paper, on invitation, at NIH: National Institutes of Health, Bethesda: Infectious Diseases Grand Rounds: Topic 30 Years of Medicine in a Tropical Environment; its delights and tribulations”
• 1995: On 4 May, Nwokolo delivered the second Igbinedion annual lecture at Okada: Benin City Topic: Nigeria‟s Global Responsibilities in Advancing the Frontiers of Knowledge. On 22 May, Nwokolo delivered the Isaac Oluwole memorial lecture to the Association of Community Physicians of Nigeria in Enugu. Topic: Changing Perspectives in Public Health in Nigeria Also, on 25 May, Nwokolo delivered the 1995 annual Lecture of the Institute of Child Health UNTH: University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital [11] Enugu titled Sickle Cell Anemia: Facts and Fiction
• 1996: Appointed Knight of Saint Christopher by the Anglican Church Diocese on the Niger.[12] On 12 September, Nwokolo was honoured by the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College with a distinguished fellowship award with citation by professor Ayo Binitie
• 1997: On 17 June, Nwokolo delivered a lecture in Chicago at the third annual convention of Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas. Topic: Healthcare in Nigeria: a challenge of the 21st century. Later in 1997, Nwokolo also delivered a lecture on the Neglected Role of Management to the Human Resources Development Agency of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health, at the invitation of the Minister of Health: Dr. Ihechukwu Madubuike
• 1998: Nwokolo was featured in the NTA: Nigerian Television Authority documentary on Nigerian Heroes for his "immense contribution to the development of Nigeria" On 10 March, Nwokolo he was nominated by UCTH: University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for the Mary Slessor Distinguished Merit Award for service to humanity. This was in recognition of his "research works, introduction of the Drug Revolving Fund at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, a patient funded system that was adopted by state governments all over Nigeria; as well as for the system's acceptance in core line with the Bamako Initiative; and as the "longest serving chairman of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital's board of management [13]
• 2000: Nwokolo presented a paper to the African Leadership Forum of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Topic: Development Programme for ala Igbo: Survival Strategy
• 2002: At the invitation of the West African College of Surgeons,[14] Nwokolo delivered the Sir. Samuel Manuwa Memorial lecture to fellows of the college assembled in Yaounde: Cameroun. Topic: New Role of Higher Professional Groups in Concrete Development of West Africa
• 2004: On 15 January, the Professor Chukwuedu Nwokolo Hall at the College of Medicine: University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu was launched

Publications

Some of Nwokolo's numerous research articles and book publications are listed below:

• NWOKOLO C (April 1952). "A case of Meigs' syndrome". British Medical Journal. 1 (4764): 905–6. doi:10.1136/bmj.1.4764.905-a. PMC 2023327. PMID 14916191.
• Nwokolo C (September 1957). "A case of sickle cell haemoglobin 'C' disease in Eastern Nigeria". The West African Medical Journal. 6 (3): 123–5. PMID 13468376.
• Lehmann H, Nwokolo C (June 1959). "The River Niger as a barrier in the spread eastwards of haemoglobin C: a survey of haemoglobins in the lbo". Nature. 183 (4675): 1587–8. doi:10.1038/1831587a0. PMID 13666822.
• Nwokolo, C. (1958). Malarial Chemoprophylaxis in Indigenous Populations. BMJ: British Medical Journal.
• Nwokolo, Chukuedu. (1961). Aschoff Nodes in Endomyocardial Fibrosis. London: BMJ: British Medical Journal.
• Nwokolo C (October 1965). "Prophylactic antimalarials in sickle-cell disease". British Medical Journal. 2 (5466): 880. doi:10.1136/bmj.2.5466.880. PMC 1846308. PMID 5827808.
• Nwokolo, C. (1967). Ascites in Africa. London: British Medical Journal.
• Nwokolo, Chukwuedu. (1969). Biafran Refugees: Problems of Disease Prevention and Medical Care. Enugu: Biafra Rehabilitation Commission.
• Nwokolo C (June 1972). "Endemic paragonimiasis in Eastern Nigeria. Clinical features and epidemiology of the recent outbreak following the Nigerian civil war". Tropical and Geographical Medicine. 24 (2): 138–47. PMID 5037686.
• Nwokolo, C. and Imohiosen, E. A. E. (1973). Strongyloidiasis of Respiratory Tract Presenting as "Asthma." London: British Medical Journal.
• Nwokolo C. and Ogakwu M. (1973). Radiological Findings in Pulmonary Paragonimiasis as Seen in Nigeria: a review based on one hundred cases. London: BJR: The British Journal of Radiology.
• Nwokolo, C. and Okonkwo, P. O. (1977). Aflatoxin B.: Procedures to reduce levels in tropical foods. Nutrition Reports International.
• Nwokolo, C. and Oli, J. M. (1979). Diabetes After Infectious Hepatitis: A Follow-up Study. London: British Medical Journal.
• Nwokolo C, Oli J (March 1980). "Pathogenesis of juvenile tropical pancreatitis syndrome". Lancet. 1 (8166): 456–9. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(80)91001-6. PMID 6102187.
• Nwokolo C, Oli J (March 1980). "Pathogenesis of juvenile tropical pancreatitis syndrome". Lancet. 1 (8166): 456–9. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(80)91001-6. PMID 6102187.
• Nwokolo, Chukwuedu. (1984). The Place of Traditional Medicine and Other Local Resources in a Modern Health Care Programme in Nigeria. Maiduguri: University of Maiduguri.
• Nwokolo, Chukwuedu. (1993). Science for Survival: The Nigerian Option. Nigeria: Medical Development.
• Nwokolo, Chukwuedu, et al.: Contributors. (2004). Principles of Medicine in Africa.Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.[15]

Death

Nwokolo died in New York: United States on Sunday 18 May 2014 at the age of 93; having been born on 19 April 1921.

Photo gallery

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  Nylah Chiedu Nwokolo, Ugodibia: Chukwuedu Nwokolo's last grandchild, daughter of Chiedu Jr. and Uju, and sister of Nicole, Vanessa, Witney and Russell
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  Nwokolo at a party in the 1960s
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  Nwokolo in smart pose
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  Nwokolo on the move
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  Chukwuedu Nwokolo
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  Chukwuedu Nwokolo
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  Nwokolo at Ugo-Ngwa: Jaja Wachuku's residence: Nbawsi: Abia State: Nigeria: 1982: Behind him is late Dr. David Okonkwo, brother of his wife: Lady Njideka Nwokolo: née: Okonkwo
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  Chukwuedu Nwokolo in September 2009
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  Nwokolo's wedding to Njideka on Saturday 4 July 1953 at Oraifite Anambra State: Nigeria
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  Njideka and Chukwuedu stepping out
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  Chukwuedu and Njideka
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  Ugodibia Chukwuedu and his Lady Njideka cutting their diamond jubilee - 60th - anniversary cake: August 2013: New York
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  Nwokolo and his family
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  From left to right: Nwabueze, Idu, Munachiso, Ugo-Dibia: Chukwuedu, Lady Njideka Nwokolo, Justice Ifeyinwa Cecilia Nwokolo Nzeako and Chuka
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  Right to left: Lady Njideka, Ugo-Dibia: Chukwuedu Nwabueze and Chuka
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  Left to right: Chuka, Munachiso, Lady Njideka, Ugo-Dibia: Chukwuedu, Idu and Nwabueze
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  Sitting left to right: Chiedu Jr., Ngozi, Ugo-Dibia: Chukwuedu, Lady Njideka, Chuka Njideka Jr. Standing left to right: Chioma, Mezie and Obioma; some time after the Biafran war: Enugu: early 1970s
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  Sitting from left to right: Chuka, Lady Njideka, Ugo-Dibia: Chukwuedu and Ngozi. Standing from left to right: Njideka Jr., Chioma, Mezie and Obioma: Enugu: 1974
• 
  Kiki Okpara with her grandparents: Lady Njideka and Ugo-Dibia: Chukwuedu; during Nwokolo's 60th wedding anniversary: August 201: New York
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  Left to right, back: Eziafa, Nmesoma and Mezie. Front: right to left: Nodebenna, Lady Njideka, Ugo-Dibia: Chukwuedu and Nwulia
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  Sitting: right to left: Cassie, Njideka Jr., Lady Njideka, Ugo-Dibia: Chukwuedu and Zara. Behind: left to right: Kodi and Chuma Ojukwu
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  Left to right: Dr. Uchenna Nwokolo, brother of Ugo-Dibia: Chukwuedu, little Acho Nwokolo, Chuka, Nwabueze and Lady Patience Nwokolo; and background left is: Ogbonna Wachuku. uncle of Nwabueze
• 
  Mezie Nwokolo and family: Eziafa, Nmesoma, Nwulia and Nodebenna
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  Chioma Nwokolo Nwangwu and her husband Tochukwu Nwangwu, with their children: Mobi, Tobi and Kamsi
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  Wedding: Chioma Nwokolo and Tochukwu Nwangwu
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  Left to right: Zara Okpara, Chuka Nwokolo, Ngozi Nwokolo Okpara, Buzz Meyerson: husband of: Obioma Nwokolo Meyerson, in white. Eziola Okpara, in red
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  Left to right: Nnanna Okpara, grandson of Ugo-Dibia: Chukwuedu and his mothe: first daughter of Ugo-Dibia: Ngozi Nwokolo Okpara
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  Left to right: Obioma, Logan and Buzz Meyerson - daughter, grandson and son-in-law of Ugo-Dibia
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  Ngozi Nwokolo Okpara and family: from left to right: Zara, Eziola, Ngozi, Nnanna and Kiki
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  Idu and her father Chuka Nwokolo, first son and first child of Ugo-Dibia: Chukwuedu, at the award of her LLB: Bachelor of Laws: University of Law: London: 2013
• 
  Munachiso, third generation MRCP: Membership of the Royal College of Physicians in Ugo-Dibia: Chukwuedu Nwokolo's family, shaking hands with member of the college council, her father: Chuka Nwokolo, after her admission to the prestigious Membership of the Royal College of Physicians: London: United Kingdom: 2012

See also

• Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
• Medical school in the United Kingdom
• Nigerian Medical Association
• Nwabueze Nwokolo
• Medical royal colleges

External links

• National Institutes of Health: USA: Nwokolo
• University of Nigeria Nsukka
• Chukwuedu Nwokolo: Google Books