- Bene, a professor of Botany, retired from University of Calabar after years of mentoring students in her department and ideologically influencing students in other faculties.
- It was in the course of these struggles for progress and a humane social order that she and her spouse, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, were sacked from their jobs at the university in 1978.
The funeral planning committee for the late Bene Madunagu has announced the details of her burial programme, honouring her life’s work.
Bene Madunagu passed away on November 26, 2024, and will be laid to rest on January 17, 2025.
According to Professor Biodun Jeyifo, the committee has planned a tribute ceremony on January 16 to celebrate her life.
The event will feature a feminist forum, memorial conference, cultural performances, and tributes from various individuals, highlighting her impact on Nigeria.
Bene was born Benedicta Afangide on March 21, 1947, in Abak LGA, Akwa Ibom state, to parents Michael and Angelica Afangide.
She pursued education at the University of Lagos and University of Ibadan, later becoming an assistant lecturer at the University of Lagos.
In 1976, she joined the University of Calabar, where she taught Botany and inspired students across various faculties.
Her academic career was marked by activism, which led to her dismissal in 1978, but she was reinstated under President Shehu Shagari’s administration.
Bene remained a prominent figure in the Academic Staff Union of Universities, becoming the first female chair at UNICAL.
She was also a key figure in the feminist movement, helping establish Women in Nigeria and chairing the Girls’ Power Initiative.
The late professor received numerous awards, including the Cross River state award in 2005 as “erudite scholar and advocate of equality and girl child rights.”
Bene, a MacArthur Foundation fellow, is survived by her spouse Edwin Madunagu, children Unoma, Ikenna, and Michael, and numerous comrades.
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