Tribute to a great Teacher. I will like to start this tribute with a quote" Say not in grief 'he is no more', but live in thankfulness that he was" Professor GC Ezeilo was a dedicated teacher who loved his work and his students. I was privileged to be his student 27 years ago at the University of Nigeria College of Medicine (class of 1989) He had a humble and gentle demeanor all hallmarks of a great teacher. Amongst all the teachers at the college he was the most approachable. In an environment that was difficult for learning he made it conducive. Four years after we took his class in Physiology he sent us a farewell message dispensingfatherly, ethical and financial advice to the newly minted graduates: "My dear finalists, as you arrive at the end of a long journey, I wish you all complete success in your final MB.BS examination. You deserve it and God will be with you. I use this opportunityto offer some advice on your future careers as doctors. Enjoy the fun of waking up as doctors and no more as medical students. The harsh realities of life in Nigeria of today will next hit you. You may not have a car, afford a decent hi fi system, shoes or clothing because your income will be a disappointment. Take solace from the knowledge that you are not alone and no doctor has yet died from poverty. Manage to dress like doctor; it inspires confidence. The learning process has just begun and the public does not expect you to know all. They expect you to know when to ask for a second opinion. As future professors and specialists , I expect you to perform better than we did.Finally, I sincerely wish all of you happy memories of your stay at the college of Medicine. You have had good training. Be our flag bearers" More than 2 decades later as hi fi has given way to wi fi his words still resonates with all his students all over the world. On behalf of the class of 1989 I wish our colleague and classmate Ikenna Ezeilo and his family all the best in this trying period of their life. Farewell great teacher. Tagbo Ekwonu, MD University of Nigeria College of Medicine Class of 1989.