The Executive Committee and entire membership of the Government College Umuahia Old Boys’ Association (GCUOBA) UK & Eire receive with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Prof. Youpele O. Beredugo (’48J), fondly and rightly described as “The Iroko”.
We mourn not just the loss of a distinguished Old Boy, but the passing of a towering Umuahian whose life embodied excellence, service, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to Government College Umuahia. Prof. Beredugo’s academic brilliance, historic records, and lifelong commitment to GCU stand as a testament to what the Umuahian spirit truly represents.
His extraordinary contributions to the restoration and advancement of GCU, his intellectual leadership, and his deep concern for the future of the College even into his 90s mark him as a rare and enduring symbol of dedication, the virtue of a true Umuahian. His legacy will forever be etched into the annals of the College.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, classmates, and the entire GCU global family. We pray that God grants us all the comfort, strength, and peace at this difficult time.
We join all Old Boys across the world in honouring a life that gave so much and inspired so many.
May the soul of Prof. Youpele O. Beredugo, that great Iroko, rest in perfect peace.
Signed:
Nkwachukwu Aguocha
President, GCUOBA UK & EIRE (GCUOBA UK and Ireland)
The Government College Umuahia was founded by Reverend Robert Fisher on January 29, 1929 when he opened the gates of the school to 25 students drawn from all parts of Nigeria and West Africa, but with catchment in Eastern Nigeria, and the Southern Cameroons.