At the library auditorium, the lights were dimmed, a soft spotlight illuminated the podium for speakers.
The buzz of students making their way to seats was punctuated only by muffled tears in the darkness. It was a somber day for AUN on Friday, 11th December 2020 as students, staff and faculty gathered to honor the memory of a beloved professor, the late Ritchard Tamba M'Bayo.
Prof. M'Bayo was born on 22nd November 1950; he died on his 70th year on earth on the 11th of August, 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown and school closure. Undeterred, Prof M’bayo’s Communications & Multimedia Design (CMD) students decided to host a special memorial for him as soon as school resumed. Rekeino Bent, Pepsitemi Sanga, and the entire CMD department set to work to make the memorial a reality.
For one of Prof. M'Bayo’s students, Sani Adeleke, his good deeds will remain etched in the hearts and minds of many CMD students.
“Prof. M'Bayo was a truly exceptional man, a diamond in the mountain of coal and sand, and the truth is: even though he is gone, the imprints he left in the minds of every student he taught, every child he fathered, and every person he came across will keep the diamond shinning long after his rest,” Sani said.
Professor M’Bayo’s biography is a picture of a life spent in service to education. He served meritoriously at the American University of Nigeria, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, Bowie State University, and many others. His comprehensive review as a media consultant for UNDP in 2015 resulted in new degree programs for Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism, Public Relations and Advertising, Master of Arts (MA) in Mass Communication, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Communication and Media Studies. Prof. M'Bayo established a periodical journal called SIERRA LEONE TODAY. He was the Assistant Editor of HILLTOP, the Howard University Newspaper.
Late Prof. M'Bayo’s impact on the lives of his students and colleagues goes beyond mere formalities to a genuine interest in adding value to their lives. Ms. Rikeino Bent narrated one of many such encounters with Prof. M'Bayo. She said, aside from his professorial duties, he was a father, friend, and mentor to her, and a grandfather to her daughter. Ms. Tamara Opeme believes “There will be many Richards but not another Richard Tamba M'Bayo."
First speaker at the memorial, Dean Patrick Fay of the School of Arts & Sciences acknowledged Prof M’bayo’s many contributions to the AUN community. “ when his friend died, the great Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote an epitaph on my friend and reading it, it could have been written about Ritchard…The friend of man, the friend of truth, the friend of age and guide of youth.” That describes Ritchard to a T.
Richard lived for his work and students. He was totally committed. I hope you notice Ritchard I am wearing a suit, I only do that two or three times a year.” Said Dean Fay.
The Vice President for University Relations, Dr. Abubakar Abba Tahir, spoke of happy times with Prof M’Bayo.
“Like most of you here, my positive reminiscences of the late Professor Mbayo cannot be merely told within such a short time that we have gathered here... In life and in death, he remains an accomplished global citizen, a typical African son, a scholar par excellence, and indeed, a bonafide Nigerian with a diplomatic passport from Sierra Leone. Prof M’bayo successfully shaped and sharpened the CMD program to a level at which it became one of the most respected in the country. There are many unique offerings in the program which cannot be found in many universities around Nigeria. In fact, the course nomenclature, teaching style, and delivery was student-centered, very unprecedented in the country.” Said Dr. Tahir
Tamba as he was fondly called by his friend Professor Samuel Tesunbi lived a life in service to others. Prof Tesunbi described Late Prof. M'Bayo as not just a colleague but a co-publisher and brother. Even Prof. Mbayo's middle name “Tamba” meaning the second son, carried a shared connection for both men. They enjoyed an even deeper bond of friendship because Prof. Tesunbi is also the second son of his parents. Prof. Tesunbi remembered when he and his wife were grieving over a private matter. Prof. M'Bayo wept like a baby when he visited them. Prof. Tesunbi's and Late Prof. M'Bayo's families grew to become inseparable family friends. They discussed their plans and dreams.
According to Prof. Tesunbi, "Richard's last few months, unfortunately, were overshadowed by severe ill health, and what made it worse was that because of the pandemic, he was not able to spend his last days in the bosom of his family." But there was some solace in knowing that he was by his bedside at the hospital while Prof Mbayo wrestled the illness that eventually led to his death.
Prof. M'Bayo leaves behind a loving wife, Yema, his three children Rita, Dandibior, and Sedia, grandchildren, siblings, and many others who loved him dearly.
Reported by Esther Ofeli