Obituary for Professor Azu Owunwanne (1943–2024)

We are deeply sorry and saddened to write an Obituary for Prof Azu in this same journal Medical Principles and Practice (MPP), that he spent long hours/days working with sincere efforts and dedication serving it as an Editor (years 1999–2005) and then as an Editor-in-Chief (2006–2017). He cooperated with colleagues, worked hard, and was recognized for his kind personality and his forever smile under all situations.Azu Owunwanne was appointed as an Assistant Professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA, in 1978. In 1982, he joined Kuwait University as Associate Professor and became a Professor in 1993.The diagnostic service of nuclear medicine started in Kuwait in 1978 when Professor Husain Abdeldayim joined the Faculty of Medicine as the founding Chairman of the Department of Nuclear Medicine. His first faculty appointment in the newly established department was Azu Owunwanne for his experience in nuclear pharmaceuticals. At Kuwait University, Azu was involved in teaching in undergraduate programs and training in the College of Medicine (Department of Nuclear Medicine) and College of Allied Health Sciences (Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Technology) and contributed to postgraduate programs at the Kuwait Institute for Medical specialty (KIMS) and the master’s program of the Graduate College of Kuwait University. He participated in teaching the mandatory course of College of Graduate Studies “Scientific Writing and Communication Skills”. Azu’s contribution to many committees and participation in conferences has collectively built the pillar of his experiences to be reflected in his performance in medical principles and practice.Professor Azu (22 May 1943–13 August 2024) passed away in peace in the USA surrounded by his sincere beloved family, his wife Chioma and his children and then was buried in his hometown in Nigeria as per his wishes.We all pray for Allah’s mercy and peace for his soul.