Professor Okello Oculli: A tribute to an outstanding mentor

The pioneer class of the International Studies programme at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and indeed all members of the International Studies programme, received the news of the death of Professor Okello Oculi with shock. Though death is inevitably hanging on the neck of all human beings, the news came to us with disbelief. This is […]

The pioneer class of the International Studies programme at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and indeed all members of the International Studies programme, received the news of the death of Professor Okello Oculi with shock. Though death is inevitably hanging on the neck of all human beings, the news came to us with disbelief. This is particularly so as arrangements have reached an advanced stage to hold a symposium programme in honour of the past deans of the former Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS).

This landmark event was inspired by none other than Prof. Okello, who continued to maintain close contact with his former students, both individually and in groups. Right from the time when the International Studies Pioneer class (1982) decided to form a reunion group and launched its first lecture programme, Prof Okello fully participated in its and the subsequent ones, by personally attending and contributing by making useful suggestions.

To underscore his continued interest in his ex-students, he was always communicating to us about events and programmes that have a bearing on promoting our perspectives. It is in this regard that he conveyed to our association the notice of the memorial symposium for Dr. Tajuddeen Abdulrahman and Prof Abubakar Momoh, which was held on 25th June, 2025, organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD). Three of his ex-students, namely Amb Muntari Abdu Kaita, Amb. Duchi Enoch and Suleiman Halliru attended the symposium. Amb. Sani Bako had notified of his intention to attend but was unable to do so. The three members that attended shared the same table with Prof Okello and his wife. It was a very lively and memorable occasion. Even though he was looking somewhat frail, none of us thought it was our last time with him.

One of the high points of the memorial lecture was the AU Mock Summit staged by the Anglican Secondary School students, promoted by Prof Okello, reminiscent of his ABU Zaria initiative.

Prof Okello taught us African Strategic Studies at a time when the academic climate was shaped and influenced by various ideological perspectives ranging from the Marxist, radical, liberal and conservative world views. He handled his subject with tact from the perspective of Pan-Africanism, drawing heavily from the political thought, ideas and activism of renowned African and third world figures.

Although most African countries had gained independence by the late 1960s, nonetheless, the battle against colonialism, especially its apartheid variant, was still being fought. Most Southern African countries were still under bondage, and the liberation struggles were going on with the various liberation movements spearheading them, notably in Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa. Prof. Okello, along with his contemporaries at the FASS, conceived the International Studies programme, taking cognisance of African realities.

Specifically, he designed and taught his African strategic course from a blend of the prevailing progressive ideological climate and the African political condition. As a result, his students acquired the requisite critical and broad perspective on national, African and global issues, which enabled us to excel in various callings after graduation.

Apart from his towering intellectual capacity, Prof Okello was always humble and jovial. His memory will linger on for a long time. May his soul rest in peace.

 

Halliru is a BOT member of, International Studies Alumni Association, Abuja.