This “special” Tributes’ page was created 03/10/2022 to enable everyone put feelings into words; as we pay our last respect to our late father, brother, senior friend, colleague, associate and lecturer.
To get started, kindly click here or use the link below to have your tribute recorded and published;
*Note: ALL tributes will be compiled and published here on this same medium/page. For signed Tributes on a letterhead, kindly mail them to: info.campusgist@gmail.com for publication.
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Tributes
Olaniyi Odina writes,
Tributes to the General: Dr. Kingston Onyijen
Why Do Good People Find an Excuse to Leave Early?
Yesterday, I lost a friend, mentor, and boss. Dr. Kingston Onyijen.
The General, as we gladly call him, was the first lecturer friend I had in the Department of English and Literature University. This was a Garland he wore proudly till his death. He never misses any opportunity to tell people that I was originally his boy before I made other friends.
He was good to a fault and always willing to help students. He gave his time and access to power and resources without asking for anything.
Dr. Onyinje was fiercely loyal to his friends and could go to any extent to help them. I remember when I had issues with final year clearance, he left his office for two days to ensure the issue was resolved. Without his assistance and of our other friends within the system, my result would not have gone to the Senate for approval. This is one show of love I am forever in his debt for.
He loved his children deeply and cared for them like the beautiful little flowers he had been nurturing since he lost his wife some years ago. Whenever we have a sit-out, he is always the first to leave. He will always say, “Odina, I have to go, you know, say nah me be papa and mama for the house” this line always draws the most profound emotions from me.
He was a people’s lover, a strongman through and through. A strongman that will never fight even in the face of bare-faced provocation and bullying. He wore his strides with joy and honor.
His long and grueling struggle to get a Ph.D. ended recently at the University of Ibadan. I promised to wash it aggressively. His appointment as HoD was supposed to be celebrated with pomp and partying. Alas, all these celebration plans were punctured rudely by the news of his death.
Rest Well, father. We love you deeply. May your soul find rest.
When you see Dr. Okunsebor and Dr. Mrs. Ikediugu tell them good people are dying off rapidly.
Sleep well General.
Name: Iyere Agbomigwe Luke
Relationship: Lecturer/Student
Position: Parliamentarian
Tribute:
My heart is heavy to read rest in peace episode for a man who I congratulated fees months ago just to come online I saw rest peace. It was indeed a bad news which I could not really bear at the moment however, I quite know that God has purpose for everyone on earth and therefore the God who signed the death of this great man will as well grant him everlasting peace Amen!?
Dr. Onyinji was a gentle and lovely lecturer who always have the interest of students. May he soul rest in peace.
Name: Idahosa Pedro
Relationship: Friend/Student/Customer
Tribute:
Dr. Onyijen was a man full of Joy, Fun and Friendliness. I remember him teaching us during our GST days and how he use to explain the importance of GST in his lecture, he was always ready to make sure we understand. He was a great teacher as well as a great customer to me. I remember how he use to come to my shop and would say “O Boy How Far Now, This Una Work Affect Una Well Well Ooh.., No Worry Work Go Come When Student Go Resume”. He had a great relationship with his students as well as his love ones. I’ll forever missed the advised and the fun we shared together in the shop, I pray for enternal rest, God Know Best.. Rest On Sir.??
Name: Erasmous Joy
Relationship: Lecturer/Student
Position: Departmental Parliamentarian
Tribute:
Dr Onyijen will say four big English words and immediately start to smile because he said them… He was a lively lecturer who used to bring his own attendance sheet from his office to our class?.. You made us understand the importance of “Thesis statement” in our writing by asking in every class what Thesis statement is.
Death be not proud for one day, thou shall die!. Rest In Power Dr Onyijen.
Name: Peculiar Okolie
Relationship: Lecturer/Student
Tribute:
Last month, I decided to read my textbooks in order to refresh my memory in this strike period so I started with “Understanding writing and composing skills”. You were definitely not my favourite lecturer but I cannot deny the fact that I learnt new things in your book. I also made a mental note to ask you some questions when school resumes and get your point of view on certain themes. Well, all of that would just have to leave my bucket list now as they will only remain wishes. Even if you’re not here to hear me say this, your book is really easy to comprehend and I respect you for that. Your work lives on after you.
Name: Imhobu Anthonia
Relationship: Lecturer/Student
Tribute:
I’ve been in shocking since hearing about your demise ???
I can still recall our conversation inside August when I saw you and I was like congratulations on your position as HOD and you said thanks and then said “You guys should be reading because once the strike is called off,they will rush you guys and that you couldn’t wait to have us back..I didn’t know that will be the last time I will be seeing or hearing your voice..You were indeed a father,you were selfless and you taught with some much enthusiasm and passion..I enjoyed every single class of yours and you made me fall in love with “Things Fall Apart”..You maybe gone but you’re forever in our hearts..Rest on Solider..The pain is really unbearable ????
Name: Sunday Ogugua Onah
Relationship: Mentor/Mentee
Position: UNIBEN SUG Clerk (2017/2018)
Tribute:
Master! D General…Your death is shocking and heart-wrenching that the only thing I have done since I got this horrible news is wish it is just one bad dream. You were like a father and guardian to me throughout my days in the University and even after that we maintained this closeness. You lived an exemplary life, so much generous with your kind words and fatherly approach to your students that earned you the admiration and respect among many. I’m broken and hurt because you brought me close as a son and allowed me share in your goals and big dream – which death has cut short now ?. Your memories will live with us forever as a good man who impacted his society heavily with his intellectual prowess. I pray you find peace in the great beyond my master and the People’s GENERAL.
Name: Patience Shawulu
Relationship: Lecturer/Student
Tribute:
We prayed, we hoped, but God took you away to the land beyond. You’ll greatly be missed. Rest in Power, General.
Name: Ogochukwu Isioma
Relationship with deceased: Father/Son
Position: Publisher, CAMPUS GIST
Tribute:
Igbanke has lost a great son???!!!
Rest on “daddy”, Dr. Kingston Onyijen, you were a great man and sound tutor who was always ready to render help to anyone that comes your way irrespective of whatever affiliation.
When I had issues in school back then, and the then VC sought to “intervene”, the news managed to get to you somehow, I remember how you “scolded” me for not bringing it to your knowledge/attention even when I said, “I didn’t want to bother you, daddy”. But yet, you rendered all the help that were there to offer following up on the matter with assistance from Mr. Smart Adagbon, and help from the now-HOD of my Department, Dr. M. S. Agbo.
And today, the rest they say is history!
Just few weeks ago, you were at my office, where you rejoiced with me over my new “appointment”. I even briefed you on a personal project I plan(ned) to launch/execute when school reopens nationwide and sought your input which you obliged.
As the newly appointed Head of the Department of English and Literature, in my Faculty, you had plans, I saw a man full of vision for the Department and students. We exchanged pleasantries and banters at the car park, I even whined you that, “Daddy, we never wash your appointment o”. And we both laughed and agreed to do that “soon” once mine is “sealed”. Sadly, I didn’t get the opportunity to share the good news with you that it has been sealed.
You were a lover of all, you help all those that come your way without any discrimination.
You were so full of life during your last official outing at the main auditorium for late ex-VC, Prof. Emeritus Oshodin’s commendation service.
When the news of your illness came, I made efforts to get in touch all to no avail… until the sad news filtered in this morning(Oct. 2). This hits hard, “Prof.”, I swear. We love you, but God knows best!
Thanks for all you did for Humanity, most especially myself. Adieu!
Campus Gist writes;
“Lover of students!!! I remember a certain time at his office, he was busy with his project students’ when a senior colleague of his brought in a man he claims was his(the senior colleague) relative & wanted Dr. Onyinje to write a reference letter for him. The colleague was already dismissing Onyinje’s project students’ so that Dr. could attend to his relative ASAP! I saw how The General respectfully cautioned him & asked the man to wait till he is done with his project students. That’s how passionate he can be, so passionate about his job. I can just stroll down to his office just to “gist”. He was that open & friendly. We’d wait until he’s done with his students’ before anything. His office colleague, Dr. Odia will keep us “busy” during those times.
Name: Aniboh Amanda Angela
Relationship: Lecturer/Student
Position: Graduate
Tribute:
I’ve been in shock since yesterday. It’s true that the good ones don’t last. You were a good person to me and many others. You taught me 225 and really simplified it for me. Beyond that you were great to me. You once gave me money to fill my gas when we joked about it. You didn’t even have to. You were greatly loved General. May heaven grant you a home and your kids be fathered by God himself. Rest in Power.
Name: Nwodo Divine
Relationship with deceased: Lecturer/Student
Position: Class President
Tribute:
Dr Onyijen was a man full of kindness and friendliness. He never missed his classes and was always ready to go extra mile to make sure we understand his course. He was a great teacher as well. His classes were always conversational, full of fun and ever impactful. He had a great relationship with his students and was well beloved.
Name: Ante Happiness
Relationship: Lecturer/Student
Position: 200 level student
Tribute:
Hmmmm, according to the popular saying “what a life”. Your demise left an heavy scar in my heart. We were not close or have and Interpersonal relationship but you were very nice and one of the best lecturer I’ve known. I couldn’t expresses my emotions towards your demise, I just pray heaven receives you and I pray heaven grants your family the fortitude to bear the loss. Rest on Dr Kingston ???.
Name: Mercy-breeze
Relationship: Lecturer/Student
Position: Student
Tribute:
De-General, you were a lively and jovial man. You made everything writing/composition seem simple. You were such a kind man. I pray you find peace with your maker. May the good Lord give your beautiful kids and family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. Amen! ?
Name: Etahgwere Tega
Relationship: Lecturer/Student
Position: Course Rep
Tribute:
You have been of great value to us and honestly, words can begin to express my gratitude. Thank you for everything! Rest well.
Name: Clement James
Relationship: Lecturer/Student
Position: PRO, English & Literature Department
Tribute:
We didn’t just lost a lecturer or a father, we also lost one of the main political strength of the department and that indeed is a huge loss. Continue to rest in power sir.
Name: Ogbogo francisca Uzor
Relationship: Friend/Father
Tribute:
You were so full of life????????What happened? Why did you leave? You left Daniel, David and Esther all alone? This must just be a dream???????I still doubt if this is true. I feel so pained that I didn’t get to see you again after I left School. You were a very kindhearted man. You made my stay in Uniben beautiful. Thank you for being kind. Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Thank you for everything. Keep Resting in power, General???????
Name: Obemeasor Innocent Oshomah
Relationship: Son
Position: Student
Tribute:
Death be not proud, I know you have taken my father to a land beyond my understanding but you will never take away the memories I have about him. Even in death I will always refer to him as D GENERAL. A selfless man, disciplinarian and an epitome of love ❤ for others. Death be not proud, you have taken a father away but his legacy will continue to leave. Supreme like no other, a man that touched lives in his stay on earth. Before I stopped writing, I will miss you daddy Kingston O. Rest in Power GENERAL until that day that the trumpet ? will be blown , keep resting superman ?♀️ K.O. I love you so much ? ?
Name: Eghota Gift Osaivbie
Relationship: Lecturer/Student
Position: Student
Tribute:
Dr Kingston Onyinje was a father to us all. He was a mentor, a tutor, a motivator and an active listener.. He never for once treated his student with disdain and thereby making them feel less of themselves.. He taught me Introduction to Prose Literature and Folklore and made me love the book “Things fall apart” by Chibua Achebe. Sir, Your death came as a blow to our hearts and left an indelible wound in our hearts.. But I am glad I had the privilege to be taught by You.. Though dead, Your legendary memories will linger on in our hearts..Words fail me to describe how miserable your death made me feel, but I will have to stop here.
Rest in Power Soldier! Till we meet at Jesus’ feet..
Name: LadyG
Relationship: Lecturer/Student
Position: Student
Tribute:
Hi General, you were first a lecturer then you became a father and a friend. It saddens my heart to write this but I’m glad I met you General. I know you are resting in the bosom of the lord keep resting sir until we meet again General.
Name: Elochukwu Scholastica Emeasoba
Relationship: Lecturer/Student
Position: Student
Tribute:
Your life was an inspiration to many. You lectured with so much enthusiasm and tact. Rest secured in God’s bossom.
Name: Political Animal
Relationship: Father/Loyal son
Position: SUG PRO (2018/2019)
Tribute:
I have finally come to an agreement… Sleep well, Rest on Sir ?
Name: Miracle Chukwunonso
Tribute(via email):
DOCTOR KINGSTON ONYIJEN WAS A VERY GOOD AND LOVING FATHER AND LECTURER. HE WAS ONE OF MY BEST LECTURER EVER.HE ALWAYS PUTS HIS BEST ? AT EVERY SINGLE THING HE DOES AND ALWAYS GOES EXTRA MILES TO MAKE SURE WE ARE HAPPY. SO SAD STILL HARD TO BELIEVE MY DADDY IS GONE AND SO HARD TO TAKE IN THAT I WONT BE ABLE TO SEE MY COMPOSITION MASTER AGAIN. ITS WELL GOD KNOWS THE BEST. THINKING WHEN I RESUME I WILL TELL YOU ABOUT MY ASPIRATION BUT NOT KNOWING DEATH WILL KNOCK YOUR DOOR SOON.REST IN POWER SIR YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR MEMORY.
Name: Love Okwuokenye
Relationship: Lecturer/Friend
Tribute:
Hmmmmm, he was a very jovial man, stern but selfless and humble. God knows best, u will be missed, continue to rest in power till we meet again.
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