Emeritus Professor Festus Aghagbo Nwako (1933–2014) was a distinguished Nigerian pediatric surgeon, educator, and administrator. Born on October 19, 1933, in Aba, Abia State, he hailed from Urumpi Orofia Abagana in Anambra State.  

 

Education and Early Career:

•Primary Education: Christ the King Primary School, Aba (1940–1946).

•Secondary Education: St. Patrick’s College, Calabar (1947–1951).

•Teaching Roles: Taught science and mathematics at St. Patrick’s College (1952) and Ibo National College, Aba (1953).

•Medical Training: Attended the National University of Ireland, earning M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O. (Hons) degrees in Medicine (1960) and an M.Ch. (Hons) in 1964.  

 

Professional Milestones:

•Pioneering Surgery: In 1976, led the first successful separation of conjoined twins in Africa at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu.  

•Academic Roles at UNTH:

•Lecturer to Professor in Pediatric Surgery (1967–1990).

•Head, Department of Surgery (1975–1978).

•Dean, Faculty of Medicine (1978–1980).

•Chairman and Medical Director (1979–1980).

•Vice-Chancellor: Appointed the first Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (1991–1998), upon the recommendation of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.  

 

Legacy:

In 2014, the Professor Festus Nwako Foundation was established to honor his commitment to health, education, and sports. The foundation focuses on empowering underprivileged children and youths in Nigeria.  

 

Professor Nwako’s contributions to medicine and education have left an enduring impact on Nigeria’s healthcare and academic sectors.