Professor Joseph Chike Edozien Obi, CFR, JP, was a distinguished academic in the field of nutrition and public health. He later became the 13th Asagba of Asaba, blending modern intellectual leadership with traditional governance. His career spanned several continents and disciplines, making him a unique figure in Nigeria’s history.
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Early Life and Education
Born to Mr. Nathaniel Okafor Edozien and Mrs. Nwakuso Edozien (née Odogwu), Obi was raised in Asaba. He attended Catholic School, Warri; Christ the King College, Onitsha; and Achimota School, Accra. Obi earned his medical degree from the National University of Ireland in 1948.
Academic and Professional Career
- Lecturer, Middlesex Hospital Medical School, London (1951)
- Senior Lecturer, University of Ibadan (1952)
- Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ibadan (1962)
- Professor, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Head of Department, Nutrition, University of North Carolina (1971)
Obi was instrumental in establishing the University of Benin during the Nigerian Civil War. He also served as Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research in 1990.
Traditional Leadership
In 1991, Obi was appointed the 13th Asagba of Asaba. He worked to modernize Asaba while preserving its cultural heritage. His leadership focused on education, public health, and community development.
Awards and Honors
- Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2003
- Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta
- Professor Emeritus, University of North Carolina
References:
- Edozien, Nathaniel. The Legacy of Asagba Chike Obi. Onitsha: Igbo Heritage Publications, 2015.
- Okoye, Chinedu. “Chike Edozien Obi: A Life of Tradition and Science.” Guardian Nigeria, March 20, 2008.
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