Lecturer
Jason Biobaragha Goldie, an academic by profession, was from the Okpoama community in the Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was best known for his academic accomplishments, which contributed significantly to the development of the field of Microbiology and enriched the body of knowledge in the Niger Delta region and beyond.
Birth and Parents
Born on January 26, 1969, into a large and loving family, Jason’s roots were firmly grounded in Okpoama through his father, John B. Goldie, and his mother, Juliet T. Goldie (née Asuku) from Nembe Bassambiri. His father, John B. Goldie, descended from a distinguished lineage as the son of Sir George Dashwood Taubman Goldie, KCMG FRS, a Scottish Manx administrator renowned for his pivotal role in Nigeria’s establishment. Despite his prestigious ancestry, John B. Goldie, a half-caste, lived modestly as a senior figure within the United African Company, ensuring the welfare and education of his family.
From birth, Jason faced the challenges of sickle cell anemia, but he received unwavering support and care from his parents. Their commitment to his well-being remained steadfast until their passing, instilling in Jason resilience and determination as he pursued his academic and professional endeavors.
Education
Despite his health condition, Jason remained resolute in his determination to pursue education and carve out a meaningful path in life. He began his academic journey in the early 1970s at Ibadan Primary School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate. He continued at the Government Sea School, Isaka (now the Sports Institute) in Rivers State from 1979 to 1987, obtaining his WASC.
His thirst for knowledge led him to the University of Port Harcourt, where he graduated with honors in Biochemistry in 1994. Seeking further academic enrichment, he pursued a Master’s degree in Biochemistry at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, completing it in 2006. After his undergraduate studies, Jason completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service year in Benue State from 1994 to 1995, further demonstrating his commitment to personal and professional growth.
Though Jason had considerable academic achievements, his ambitions extended beyond them. He conducted extensive research on microbiology, particularly on sickle cell disease, authoring numerous publications on the subject. His work garnered international recognition, with institutions in Ireland and Malaysia offering him opportunities to pursue a Ph.D. Tragically, his health deteriorated before he could fulfill his dream of completing doctoral research.
Career
Jason’s professional career was primarily centered around academia, though he engaged in other meaningful endeavors throughout his life. He initially worked as a laboratory scientist at Immunoassay Laboratories (Nig) Limited in Lagos, where his expertise was invaluable to the organization’s operations.
In 2002, Jason returned to Bayelsa State, joining the Bayelsa State College of Arts and Science (now Bayelsa State Polytechnic) as an Assistant Lecturer. He gradually rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Dean of the School of Sciences, a role he held until his passing on December 24, 2023. His tenure left a lasting impact on many in the field of science, inspiring them to excel in their respective disciplines.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Jason was an emerging poet and author known for his analytical and philosophical prowess. His scientific publications reflected his intellectual depth. Jason was also a member of several professional organizations, including the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria, Nigeria Association of Clinical Chemists (NACC), Nigeria Society of Experimental Biology, and the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). These affiliations underscored his commitment to learning, collaboration, and knowledge advancement.
Family and Faith
Jason lived a life marked by solitude; he never married nor had children, possibly due to concerns about sparing others the pain of his health challenges. Despite this, he was known for his kindness, always offering assistance to those in need.
Jason was regarded as a reliable and supportive friend by those around him. He had strong principles and was unafraid to criticize actions he felt went against common sense or justice. He viewed worldly achievements as fleeting, reflecting his humility and commitment to truth and righteousness, earning him respect among those who knew him.
A devoted Anglican, Jason was actively involved in St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Okpoama, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, contributing to the spiritual growth of his community.
Death
Jason Biobaragha Goldie passed away due to complications related to his health in Yenagoa, the capital city of Bayelsa State, on December 24, 2023. He was laid to rest on January 26, 2024, in Nembe Bassambiri. His life, marked by academic dedication, kindness, and community service, remains an inspiration to those who knew him.
Sources:
- Wikipedia: George Taubman Goldie
- Siblings
