Chukwudi Martin Ogbueche studied at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), Glasgow, United Kingdom, for a Doctorate in Philosophy in an interdisciplinary project that involved the School of Health and Life Sciences and the School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment. He was awarded a prestigious and competitive international scholarship by GCU in 2021 to undertake research on the topic of music-based gaming to improve arm function after stroke, under the supervision of Dr. Katie Thomson (his Director of Studies), Dr. Don Knox and Prof. Frederike van Wijck. As a PhD team, we had the privilege and joy to work with Chukwudi, and get to know him over the almost 2½ years that he was with us at GCU. 

Chukwudi was thriving in his PhD; as a curious learner he was intellectually agile and enjoyed giving us ‘crash courses’ on new topics that he had explored in between supervisory sessions. He had an exemplary work ethic and strived to deliver work at a professional standard. Whilst being dedicated to his own project, Chukwudi always managed to make time to support others in their aspirations. If anything, we had to encourage Chukwudi sometimes to prioritise his own research. Chukwudi was also keen to hone his academic teaching abilities, and as he was wise beyond his years, countless fellow students benefitted not only from his burgeoning lecturing skills but also from his generous mentorship. Chukwudi’s abilities were appreciated both within GCU and wherever he presented his work at professional conferences.  The lovely thing about Chukwudi was that he always remained modest and continued to look for new opportunities to learn.

Chukwudi was planning to build a life together with his wonderful wife Muna, whom he had married only recently, and was supporting his younger siblings to create the best possible futures for them. He was so proud and happy when his younger brother Somkenechukwu joined him at GCU for his Masters degree qualification.

Chukwudi’s sudden, untimely and entirely unexpected death has left everyone who knew him bereft. It has stopped an exceptionally bright, dedicated and kind-spirited young man in his promising tracks. With his unique warmth, gentle sense of humour, and the sparkle in his eyes that would light up a room, Chukwudi will be deeply missed: by us as his PhD supervisors, his research group colleagues, his confrères in the GCU Student Association and in all the other communities that Chukwudi was such a generous contributor to.

Our thoughts and prayers are especially with his wife Munachi Nkechi Okonkwo, his mother Mrs. Nneka Ifediora, his other brothers, sisters and wider family, whom he always spoke of with such love and affection. We are keenly aware that your loss is too profound for words.  However, we hope that the memories and images, shared by those who knew Chukwudi, will bring you some consolation and the reassurance that, together, we will continue to treasure Chukwudi’s memory.

With our heartfelt condolences,

Katie Thomson, Don Knox and Frederike van Wijck