Members of the Kaduna state executive council today held a
valedictory session in honor of the state Commissioner of Education, Professor
Jonathan Andrew Nok, wh
o died after a brief illness on November 21st. Read
Governor Nasir El-Rufai's glowing tribute to the deceased below...
Professor Jonathan Andrew Nok was immense in character,
learning and fame. This accomplished scientist, teacher and administrator was
well-known and respected in the scientific community. As we say in these parts,
he was a big man, but he was not too big to serve. This international figure
provided dedicated service at state level with energy, focus and determination.
Prof. Nok was one of the very best persons this country has produced, and he
gave Kaduna State one of the best exemplars of public service.
He was aware that there were people who sniggered that a
professor of his stature accepted to be a commissioner. He responded by serving
the people of Kaduna State with his very best. He graced our government with
his presence, his intellect, his capacity for hard work and an outstanding
sense of objectivity.
Professor Nok earned deserved fame as a scientist, putting
Nigeria on the global map for cutting edge research in genetics. As political
leader in our ministries of Health and Education, he set a new bar for public
service. He was decisive, and took important decisions undeterred by calumny
nor influenced by caprice.
As commissioner, he was firm in his beliefs. For instance,
this government was ready to send 30 students on scholarship to Cuba. Professor
Nok insisted that it must be an exercise in meritocracy, not patronage! And so
shall it be. Only the six students who passed the test that he set will go to
Cuba.
Through the vicissitudes of life, he did not submit to the
narrowness of those who put obstacles in his way. Some forces thwarted his
emergence as VC of ABU, but he emerged from the experience without surrendering
his own objectivity and broadmindedness. Prof. Nok was subjected to much
vilification for his service to this government. But he took comfort in the
selflessness of his mission and was buoyed by the support of people, young and
old, who appreciated the quality and impact of his work.
Jonathan Andrew Nok wanted the very best for our people. He
pushed with vigour our projects to expand access to healthcare and education.
He was a moving spirit for better schools, higher standards and the celebration
of merit.
His departure is a big loss to our state and country. We in
the Kaduna State Executive Council have lost a friend, and a leader who
personified the possibilities of this country. We told him often how proud we
were of the work he was doing. This distinguished holder of the Nigerian
National Order of Merit took his responsibilities seriously and delivered with
panache. We thank him for his service, and the memories of excellence he has
left for us. Kaduna State will honour Prof. Nok. We will name one of our
schools and hospitals in his memory and locate a campus of one of our tertiary
institutions in Nok, his hometown. In his public service, Prof. Nok tried to
create opportunities for the children of the poor. KDSG will sponsor his own
children to Ph.D. level!
Even in this moment of grief, the Nok Family can be justly
proud of this great man. He was taken from us when much remains to be done. But
in our sadness, we cannot question God. May God uphold his family and comfort
them. May his children and their offspring live to see and enjoy the country
Jonathan Andrew Nok strove so hard to help realise. And may his record of
service, his discipline and love of humanity inspire those of us that remain to
offer nothing but our best.
I say to Papa Andrew, be proud; you brought up a great man.
To the wife and children, I urge you to walk with your heads high because your
father was an honest, humble and brilliant man.
On behalf of the Kaduna State Executive Council and the
people of Kaduna State, I say farewell to a selfless man of distinction. May
the Almighty God grant his kind and gentle soul peaceful repose. Amen!
Thank you all for being here today. God bless.
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