Bede Okigbo

Bede Nwoye Okigbo (September 29, 1926 – March 31, 2017) was a plant pathologist and geneticist, traditionalist and former Vice-Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nnsukka.

Early life and education Bede Nwoye Okigbo, from Ireh town of Ojoto in Anambra State, was born into the family of the Okigbos who were popular for their academic pursuits and achievements in the 20th century Nigeria. )

He attended the Government College, Umuahia in 1943 where he developed his love for agriculture and plants and completed his secondary education. From 1948 - 52, he studied at Moor Plantain, Ibadan. He also was, at different times, the dean of agriculture at the University of Nigeria, deputy director at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, and Director of Natural Resources Programme at the United Nations University, Japan. amongst others.

Military stint During the Biafran War, Bede was the coordinator of a unit known as the Land Army whose remit was to boost large scale and small agriculture practices down to the grassroot level. He was the Dean of Agriculture at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka at that point.

Personal life Bede was married to his wife, Philomena and they have six children. He was also a Knight of St. Mulumba (KSM). and retired to Ojoto in 1997. He took up the traditional Ozo title and was named Eze-Okigbo 1 n'Ojoto. He died on 31 March 2017.