In a moving celebration of memory, vision, and artistic expression, the Head of the Department of Fine Arts and Design at Wigwe University, Dr Kenneth Njoku, has donated a sculptural bust of the late founder of the university, Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe, to the institution.

The unveiling ceremony, led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Justice Amina Augie, JSC (Rtd.), drew an enthusiastic and jubilant university community, all gathered to honour a man whose influence continues to shape the institution’s identity and aspirations.

The Vice-Chancellor of Wigwe University, Professor Marwan Al-Akaidi, commended Dr Njoku for the remarkable artistic gesture, describing the sculpture as a proud addition to the university’s cultural and intellectual heritage.

More than a commemorative object, however, the work titled He Lives On stands as a profound artistic statement on legacy, remembrance, and the enduring relationship between art, education, and leadership.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the piece, Dr Njoku explained that the sculpture was conceived not merely as a portrait of Herbert Wigwe, but as an exploration of memory and institutional vision within contemporary Nigerian art.

“He Lives On is a sculptural bust I created as both a commemorative work and a personal reflection on memory, legacy, and individual patronage within contemporary Nigerian art,” he said. “Conceived in honour of Herbert O. Wigwe and donated to Wigwe University, the piece goes beyond conventional portraiture.”

According to the artist-scholar, the sculpture seeks to place Wigwe’s life and ideals within an enduring framework that connects creativity, education, and transformational leadership.

One of the most striking aspects of the work is its material composition. While bronze traditionally dominates commemorative sculpture, Dr Njoku deliberately chose concrete instead.

Though he acknowledged that bronze might have been the more conventional option, he described concrete as a material deeply aligned with the themes he sought to express.

“I chose concrete for its immediacy, strength, and contemporary relevance,” he explained. “For me, it symbolizes resilience and permanence — qualities that reflect Wigwe’s far-reaching impact.”

In the artist’s interpretation, the material itself becomes metaphorical: solid, enduring, and quietly assertive, much like the legacy it seeks to preserve.

For Dr. Njoku, Herbert Wigwe’s influence transcended the world of banking and finance. What particularly inspired him was Wigwe’s passionate support for African art and creative expression on the global stage.

He noted that Wigwe’s conviction that art represents one of Africa’s most original contributions to the world strongly resonates with his own artistic philosophy.

That same belief, he added, is reflected in the foundational vision of Wigwe University — an institution intentionally designed to bridge the worlds of art and science as complementary forces for innovation and societal transformation.

Dr Njoku expressed special admiration for the university’s bold commitment to the arts from its inception, especially through the establishment of a Department of Fine Arts and Design.

“In a context where the arts are often marginalized, this decision represents a significant shift,” he observed.

Through He Lives On, the artist sought to visually articulate this philosophy. The sculpture functions not only as a tribute to an individual but also as a symbol of an institutional ideology that recognizes creativity as central to intellectual and cultural development.

Artistically, the work departs from strict naturalism. Rather than pursuing photographic likeness, Dr Njoku focused on expressive structure, texture, and emotional presence.

“The textured surface of the concrete, with its subtle irregularities, reflects my understanding of memory as layered and dynamic rather than fixed,” he explained.

The result is a sculpture that invites viewers to encounter more than the image of Herbert Wigwe; it encourages them to experience a sense of his continuing influence and enduring presence within the university community.

The donation of the sculpture to Wigwe University also carries deeper significance for the artist. Dr Njoku views the gesture as an act of institutional engagement and artistic responsibility.

By situating the work within the university environment, he believes the sculpture becomes part of a larger intellectual and cultural conversation.

“It is meant to inspire, to provoke thought, and to serve as a visual anchor for the values the institution represents,” he said.

Ultimately, He Lives On embodies a timeless truth: while individuals may pass on, their vision and influence can continue to shape generations.

Through this powerful sculptural tribute, Dr Kenneth Njoku has ensured that the legacy of Herbert O. Wigwe remains not only in memory but also within the evolving cultural and educational landscape he helped to build.