Tinubu, Yahaya lament passage of Emeritus Professor Shehu @97
The President of Nigeria Bola Tinubu and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Monday lamented the exit of erudite Professor Umaru Shehu, at 97 years.
Shehu, PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports was one of the pioneer Medical Doctors from Northern Nigeria.
In a separate statements issued by their media aides, the two leaders lauded his exploits adding that he lived life worthy of emulation.
Tinubu’s statement issued by his Special Adviser Media and Publicity Chief Ajuri Ngelale said he expressed shock and deep sadness over the passing into glory of a foremost Nigerian educationist and one of the pioneer medical doctors from Northern Nigeria, Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu.
Born in 1930 in Maiduguri, Borno State, the nonagenarian statesman was 92 when he passed away.
President Tinubu described Emeritus Professor Shehu’s death as a big blow to the country, saying that his death had closed a glorious chapter of illustrious service to Nigeria, Nigerians, and humanity as a whole.
“Emeritus Professor Shehu was a giant, even among that legendary generation of pioneering indigenous professionals in our country, and the story of his life is saturated with many first, golden steps across the realms of medical practice, school administration, and humanitarian services.
“The renowned Professor of Medicine has always served Nigeria meritoriously and bestowed on all Nigerians a sense of pride with his indelible breakthroughs and innovative approaches to the administration of health and medical education around the world. Nigeria was indeed blessed to have him as both a patriotic son and as a worthy global representative in his fields of endeavour,” the President gratefully stated.
Trained at the defunct University College-Ibadan, the University of Liverpool and the University of London, among others, Emeritus Professor Shehu spent a lifetime straddling Nigeria’s medical and higher education institutions, in addition to several remarkable engagements on the global stage.
The legendary academician served variously as a Deputy Vice Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and Sole Administrator of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and the University of Maiduguri, respectively. He successfully taught and mentored generations of medical practitioners, both in Nigeria and in the United Kingdom, and served at different times as the Country Coordinator of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Nigeria and Ethiopia.
President Tinubu shared his profound condolences with the people and Government of Borno State, the deceased statesman’s family, the Nigerian medical community, and so many others who are grieving around the world over the colossal loss of this Nigerian icon, mentor, father, son, and dedicated professional.
The President also prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased academician and statesman.
Eulogising Shehu, Yahaya who doubles as the Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum said he received with heavy hearts, the passing of the distinguished elder statesman, and Northern Nigeria’s first Professor of Community Health who died at the age of 97.
Governor Yahaya described the late academic as a true luminary and erudite scholar whose demise leaves a huge void in the realms of knowledge and leadership in Nigeria.
He said the loss of Shehu has created a profound void, not only for his family, Borno State and the University of Maiduguri, but indeed, the entire Northern region, Nigeria, and the global academic community.
“Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu was not just a name but a repository of wisdom, a beacon of knowledge, and an embodiment of dedication to his people and country. His illustrious career in several universities, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria the University of Maiduguri, as well and his role as a co-founder of the Borno Elders Forum and the Kanem Borno Historical and Cultural Foundation have left an indelible mark on our society.
“A towering figure in academia, Professor Shehu’s contributions as the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science and his distinguished position as Professor Emeritus of Community Health at the University of Maiduguri have indeed enriched our nation’s intellectual heritage. His global recognition as the Editor-in-Chief of the British Medical Journal was a proof of his exceptional capabilities,” Director-General Press Affairs Ismaila Misilli, stated in a statement signed on behalf of Yahaya.
