It is with sad and heavy heart that I take the opportunity to pay tribute to Comrade, Patrick Adeiza Andrew, a friend turn brother, colleague, educational administrator, Leader of selfless service, son, mentor, tutor. In whatever role we knew him, from whatever vantage point, he stood apart as someone special! who tragically died after a brief illness on 6th December, 2017.
It is a great loss but he has left a significant legacy including the NIMechE-NSF best president till date.
I first met Patrick in college at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, apart from been in the same Faculty and Department, his humility stands out among his peers.
We became very close on the trip to NIMechE AGM Coal 2012 as only two students attending from North-East zone. He was instrumental to the formation of the student wing of our professional body NSF at the conference. His special leadership abilities and charismatic personality were readily apparent! It was clear that he would most likely have an outstanding career as a leader. This first encounter marked the beginning of our longstanding professional friendship and leadership collaboration.
At the first NIMechE National student convention Yabatech Lagos when I emerged as the National President, he won the first Technical secretary for the student wing, his work as technical secretary is a mirage to all those emerging after him.
That hard work paved way for him 2013 in Akure when he succeeded me as the national student president with a slim margin of one vote.
Patrick was committed to research focused on improving schools, school systems and leadership of student’s body nationwide, He was passionate about enabling schools to become better places for students to learn and for teachers to work. He was a transformational leader and change agent who had great dreams of what public leadership among student should be. He had a gift of innovative thinking, a visionary spirit, and the tenacious patience required to successfully lead meaningful reform.
My friend, friend to everyone, was a good and hardworking man. When he was at the University, his good mind, excellent leadership quality and commitment to excellence, could not help but to lead him to the greater height he attained. The honest, outstanding Patrick without any announcement drawn to the whole officials of NIMechE and NSE in general. is kind of Energy being rare to see among today’s youths.
Patrick’s contributions were powerful and his work ethic more than remarkable…. Energy, commitment, integrity are all words that begin to capture my image of Patrick. Would that we had many more like him. But he was one of kind and is sorely missed as a colleague, friend and brother.
Rest on my brother.