‘A Void Too Deep to Fill’: University Mourns Nollywood Star and Beloved Lecturer ‘Energy’ Okoye.

AWKA, NIGERIA – Grief has enveloped the Nnamdi Azikiwe University community and the wider Nigerian film industry following the sudden passing of Mr. Patrick Okoye, the beloved actor, lecturer, and mentor famously known to fans as “Energy.”

The devastating news was confirmed in an official statement released early Thursday morning by Dr. Nkemakonam Aniukwu, the Head of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies. According to the statement, Mr. Okoye passed away in the quiet, early hours of Thursday, May 28, 2026. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed, but the department described his departure as swift and unexpected.

In the heartfelt release, Dr. Aniukwu painted a picture of a man who was far more than just an academic or a screen presence. “He was a vibrant soul,” the statement reads, “a distinguished personality in Nollywood, an exceptional teacher, and a mentor who touched countless lives through his dual callings in the entertainment industry and the classroom.”

For students who filled his lecture halls and colleagues who shared a stage with him, the man called “Energy” lived up to his nickname. He was known for bringing a contagious dynamism to both script analysis and practical performance, often turning a routine theatre drill into a life lesson.

The department noted that his passing has sent “painful shockwaves” through the university, affecting everyone from first-year students who were just discovering their passion for the arts to veteran colleagues who considered him a pillar of the faculty.

“His death has created a void that will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill,” Dr. Aniukwu added, struggling to capture the collective sense of loss.

Beyond the bright lights of Nollywood, where he earned fame for his memorable roles, Mr. Okoye dedicated his later years to shaping the next generation of filmmakers and stage actors. He was widely respected not just for his artistic talent, but for his patience and willingness to go the extra mile for young talents finding their footing.

The statement concluded with a prayer for the repose of his soul and a plea for strength. “We ask God to grant fortitude and comfort to his immediate family, his loved ones, and the entire university community as we navigate this difficult and painful time.”

As of Thursday evening, tributes have begun pouring in from former students, film producers, and acting guilds, many recalling specific moments where “Energy” turned a difficult day into a bearable one with his trademark humor and warmth.

Mr. Patrick Okoye leaves behind a legacy of laughter, learning, and an unquenchable passion for the theatrical arts.