Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Mazi Emmanuel Ashinze: Educator, Mentor, and Disciplinarian (TRIBUTES)

OBIARUKU/Nigeria:  The educational community in Nigeria and beyond is mourning the loss of one of its finest minds, Mazi Emmanuel Ashinze, former Principal of Obiaruku Grammar School and visionary founder of the Parents Revision Centre (PRC).

Affectionately known as “Bush”, he passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2025, shortly before attending Sunday Mass.

Mazi Ashinze was more than an educator—he was a mentor, a disciplinarian, a community builder, and a relentless advocate for academic excellence.

During his tenure as principal from 1991 to 1995, and throughout his life, he inspired countless students and colleagues through unwavering dedication, discipline, and belief in the transformative power of education.

“He was the man who saw tomorrow,” one former student wrote, likening him to Nostradamus for his futuristic vision in preparing students for a world beyond their imagination.

Mazi Ashinze’s legacy was perhaps most vividly felt through the Parents Revision Centre, which he established at Obiaruku Grammar School.

The PRC gathered top educators from across Ukwuani LGA to deliver high-quality, supplemental instruction that shaped the lives and careers of thousands of students.

Many of his mentees went on to become engineers, academics, medical doctors, and professionals in various fields across the globe.

His unique ability to recognize and nurture potential, even before it was fully formed, set him apart.

Stories abound of how he encouraged early examination entries, prepared students for national competitions, and personally taught physics when resources were limited—sparking a passion for the sciences in many who had once struggled.

Beyond intellect, Mazi Ashinze was a model of character and discipline. His strong presence, booming voice, and firm but fair guidance earned him both reverence and respect. He championed integrity, fought against examination malpractice, and emphasized structure, self-control, and perseverance.

“He taught us the laws of physics and the laws of life,” said Dr. Uyiosa Aigbe from South Africa.

Across testimonies from Lagos, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and other parts of the world, a singular theme resonates: Mazi Ashinze built more than a school—he built people.

As tributes continue to pour in from former students, colleagues, and mentees, one thing is clear: Mazi Emmanuel Ashinze’s legacy will endure not only in memory but in the values, achievements, and contributions of those he inspired.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and pray that his soul finds eternal peace.

Mazi Ashinze may have departed this world, but the impact of his life’s work lives on.

Adieu, Great Teacher. Adieu, Mazi Ashinze. You truly live on.

Personal Testimonies

Students and mentees of the late Mazi Emmanuel Ashinze, a former distinguished principal of Obiaruku Grammar School received the news of his passage to the great beyond with rude shock.

Ashinze a.k.a Bush, gloriously joined his ancestors on Sunday, February 2,  2025, having prepared himself for Sunday mass.

For his mentees, Ashinze left an indelible mark in the sands of time. His pursuit for academic excellence was the turning point and game changer in shaping the future of his students and those he mentored at the Parents Revision Centre (PRC) in Obiaruku Grammar School, Obiaruku, Ukwuani LGA.

Bush assembled the best of brains(Teachers)  from the secondary schools around Obiaruku to prepare a generation with the right mindset, intellectual foundation and sagacity and the discipline that will ultimately them for the fifth industrial revolution and beyond.

Like Nostradamus, the “man who saw tomorrow,” Ashinze was a man ahead of his time. He was very intentional in his believe and resolve that the future we crave for as far back as the early 90’s cannot be achieved without building an intellectual foundation that was tested and resilient.

Ashinze believed in the power of dreams; more than that, he reposed great confidence in his students and was quite optimistic of their ability to excel beyond and above every limitations.

I am eternally grateful to you. I will forever miss you, but I am hopeful that you are in a better place in the midst of your ancestors.

Above all, I pray that God, the infinite Judge, will count you worthy to behold his beatific vision– Truely on that Day, we shall see you our God as you are.

Adieu, great soul, Adieu Bush, Adieu my mentor. You truly live on. (Fabian Ekeruche, Lagos)

In the words of the sages, a great Iroko has fallen

I will never forget how impactful my experience of Mazi Ashinze was. I met him when we were looking for spark to reignite my passion for sciences, especially as I knew I wanted to be an engineer. \

I got more than that when I met him at the Parents Revision Centre (PRC). His quiet determination, force of personality and firm words of advice instilled character in all that met him.

It was him who spotted my quick progress and advised my parents to register me early for final examination, that set me on my way.

His strong impartation of knowledge and character is a major part of the reason I’m who I am today.

Today, I mourn the death of great man but I’m comforted that his legacy lives on in me, in us, in the impact he brought to those around him. So I say Mazi Ashinze, you will never die. Kachifo. (Engr John Itsueli)

I received the passing away of Mr Ashinze with shock. He was my principal at Obiaruku grammar Obiaruku grammar from 1991-1995. He took over the mantle of leadership from Mrs.Ogbugwuo.

All throughout Mr.Ashinze’s reign as the principal,he was kind to both his staff and students. He had a good working relationship with his staff.

Mr.Ashinze will only go after his staff” if and only if the staff in question does not attend his or class.

He has passion for education and always glad seeing his students progressing academically.

As a result of his passion for education, he introduced a lesson called Parents Revision Center (P.R.C) where he converged all the best teachers within the local government for the lesson. The lesson was more or less an  institution that brought out many intellectuals today.

When he saw the deficiency we were encountering in physics then,he took it upon himself to handle SS2 and 3. Behold we saw the difference. Mr Ashinze made majority of my set then to embrace science. He made someone like me to have keen interest in physics. Behold today, I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in physics while others embraced other science courses.

He is a man that have the tenet of giving all he could to encourage the growth and progress of any serious students.

He fought examination malpractice and brought sanity to education during his reign as the Principal of Obiaruku Grammar School Obiaruku.

I want to use this medium to say a big thank you to the following teachers then: Mr.Fidel Egware (Chemistry teacher then), but now a lecturer at university of Delta Agbor,

Mr Ossai P.O (Mathematics teacher then) but now a lecturer at Delta state university Abraka;  late Mr. Ekpei of blessed memory (English language)

Mrs Omoni(English language), late P.C Okolo of blessed memory (Biology), Mr. Achi Benson(physics) retired and Mr Ugbedo (Economics) retired.

May God grant the soul of Mr Ashinze eternal rest. To his children he left behind, may God give them the solace to fill the vacuum and strengthen them to forge ahead in life. (From Solomon Enudeme (Sophi) United Kingdom)

First, our teacher, our confidant, our mentor, and a father back then at Obiaruku Grammar School class of 1995.

He was a great man, very intelligent and down to earth with a booming voice, a strong presence and a large heart that embraced his staff and students.

He made Physics so easy for my friends and I. He believed so much in me and will always boast with other Principals in his voice, “Bring your best student and I will bring Nze Emmanuel for you”  I can’t forget that in a hurry,

Oh death where is thy Sting! He saw the potential in me and he told me that he knew I will be very great. He will always appoint me on several occasions to represent the school in science competitions and I performed excellently.

If intelligence was a person then it should be my principal because this man here has been a guru to I and many others, he practically made me exceptional in science.

I love this great guy he’s a blessing to humanity and an asset to the nation.

No words or accolades can quantify your value Sir! We are indebted to your leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering a positive education environment back then.

May your memory be a blessing!  RIP MR ASHINZE, A GREAT PHYSICIST

( Ex-Senior Prefect, Nze Emmanuel class of 1995✍(Lagos)

You were more than a principal, more than a teacher—you were an inspiration, a mentor who ignited in us a passion for knowledge and a curiosity about the forces that shape our world.

With every lesson, you taught us not only physics but also resilience, integrity, and the power of thinking beyond the obvious.

Your dedication to education and your unwavering belief in our potential have left an indelible mark on our lives, Rest on our mentor and principal, Ashinze (Fidelis Enuma, United Kingdom)

Though Mazi Emmanuel Ashinze has left this physical world, his impact remains eternal.

He taught us not just the laws of Physics, but the laws of life — to remain curious, to face challenges bravely, and to always strive for better.

As Principal, he built a community where knowledge, kindness, and dreams flourished.

We are the living legacy of his life’s work, and we will carry forward his vision with pride and gratitude.  (Dr Uyiosa Aigbe, South Africa.)

A tribute to a disciplinarian & an assiduous man…. who worked diligently and with persistence.

I recognize the important role you played in shaping individuals and society. I acknowledge your dedication to instilling discipline and order in our lives while growing up as secondary school students.

Though it was challenging to us then, most of us saw you as a wicked & vicious man but ultimately it was a beneficial guidance.

The values you inculcated in us still remain with us & it has helped in our every day lives.

To the disciplinarian, the one who firmly guided us towards excellence, we offer our deepest gratitude. Your unwavering commitment to discipline, while sometimes rigorous, has molded us into the responsible individuals we are today.

You taught us the value of structure, the importance of accountability, and the power of self-control.

Your unwavering belief in our potential, even when we doubted ourselves, has been instrumental in our growth. You fostered a spirit of perseverance, encouraging us to rise above obstacles and strive for our full potential.

We may not have always understand your methods, but we now appreciate the depth of your wisdom and the lasting impact of your guidance.

Your legacy will continue to live on in the lives of those you’ve mentored, as we strive to embody the principles of discipline, integrity, and respect that you instilled in us.

Thank you for shaping our character and for the enduring lessons you’ve taught us.

Your dedication to shaping a better world is a testament to your strength and unwavering belief in the power of discipline.

We live to remember your good leadership qualities our dear Principal Ashinze.

 May your soul rest in perfect peace. Amen! (ANNABEL IFEOMA ESIMIKE OTU (MRS.)