The academic and music communities have paid glowing tributes to Dr Evangeline Baridum Giami, the first female doctorate degree holder in Music Theory and Composition, describing her passing as a monumental loss to music education, scholarship and the development of the creative arts in Nigeria.
The tributes were delivered during an Exit Concert organised by the Department of Music of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, in honour of the late scholar, who previously served as the department’s Head and left an enduring legacy in teaching, research and institutional development.
Speaking at the event, Professor Onyee Nwankpa of the Department of Music, University of Port Harcourt, said Dr Giami’s death had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill, noting that she distinguished herself as a scholar, mentor and administrator whose contributions advanced music education in Nigeria.
He described the late academic as an accomplished professional whose pioneering achievements inspired many young scholars, particularly women pursuing careers in music and academia.
Also speaking, the Vice President of the Association of Nigerian Musicologists, Professor Marie Agatha Ozah, encouraged family members, colleagues and students to draw strength from the remarkable life and achievements of the late musicologist.
While acknowledging the pain occasioned by her passing, she urged mourners to celebrate the impact Dr Giami made during her lifetime rather than dwell solely on the brevity of her years.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Professor Okechukwu Onuchuku, Professor Priye Iyalla-Amadi highlighted one of the late scholar’s enduring contributions to the institution.
He recalled that while serving as Head of the Department of Music, Dr Giami redesigned the University’s anthem following a directive of the Senate, describing the composition as a lasting legacy that will continue to unite and inspire generations of students and staff.
He expressed appreciation to guests who attended the memorial event to identify with the University, the Faculty of Humanities and the Department of Music during the period of mourning.
The Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Ibiere Ken-Maduako, described the late academic as an exceptional educator whose passion, dedication and innovative approach to teaching left a lasting impression on colleagues and students alike.
According to her, Dr Giami consistently demonstrated professionalism, creativity and commitment to excellence throughout her career, earning the admiration of those who worked closely with her.
She added that the late lecturer served as a role model who encouraged students to pursue excellence while embracing innovation in music education and performance.
A close friend of the deceased and lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Dr Precious Omuku, remembered her as a resourceful and enterprising individual who pursued her passion with unwavering commitment and inspired many through her work and personal example.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Evangelist Clinton Giami described his late sister as an intelligent, compassionate and selfless woman who devoted herself to the welfare of her family while pursuing an outstanding academic career.
Delivering the homily, the Immediate Past Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Kingdom Eke Orji, reflected on the transient nature of life and encouraged the congregation to live purposefully, uphold godly values and make meaningful contributions to society.
He described the late scholar as a determined professional whose honesty, dedication and cordial relationships with colleagues distinguished her throughout her years of service.
The only Bible reading at the ceremony, taken from 1 Corinthians 15:46–58, was delivered by the Immediate Past Head of the Department of Music and the department’s only professor, Professor Bernandette Chinedu Ugochukwu.
Earlier, the Acting Head of the Department of Music, Dr Nkemakolam Ugorji, welcomed guests to the ceremony, explaining that the Exit Concert was organised to celebrate the remarkable life, achievements and enduring legacy of a colleague whose contributions transformed the department.
The Department had also organised a candlelight procession in honour of the late academic before the memorial concert.
The event featured musical renditions and performances carefully selected to reflect Dr Giami’s passion for music and the works she cherished throughout her career.
Through music, tributes and moments of reflection, colleagues, former students, family members and friends celebrated a woman remembered not only for her academic accomplishments but also for her commitment to mentoring young musicians and advancing music scholarship in Nigeria.
Dr Giami’s influence continues to resonate through the many students she trained, the academic programmes she helped strengthen and the institutional legacy she left behind, including the University anthem that remains a lasting symbol of her contribution to Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.
Her life, many speakers observed, was defined by excellence, service, innovation and an unwavering dedication to using music as a tool for education, inspiration and nation-building.
