Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya has described late Professor Abdullahi Mahadi, as an academic giant whose distinctive accomplishments in research, teaching, learning and administration will continue to be a point of reference for so many years to come.
Yahaya stated this while delivering a goodwill message at the second Abdullahi Mahadi Annual Memorial Lecture series organised by the Gombe State University.
Represented by the Secretary to Government of the State, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, the governor remarked that the enduring legacies of Professor Mahdi stood as a testament that the late pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Gombe State University lives on wherein his memories will continue to resonate within the Nigerian academic system.
“Mahadi stood for good governance, Mahdi stood for functional leadership values because of this am one of those who benefitted for these leadership values of Professor Mahdi,” the governor said.
Speaking on his personal encounter with the late Professor Abdullahi Mahadi, the representative of the Gombe State Governor explained that the celebrated academic icon once paid him a visit to encourage him as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri during the peak of the Boko Haram crisis.
The guest speaker and renowned Professor of History from the University of Texas USA Toyin Falola, explained that aside from being an academic colossus, the late Professor Abdullahi Mahdi embodied a character of a transformative leader, a truism of accountability and transparency.
He described the fine legacies of Professor Mahdi as a pointer to his resilience steadfastness commitment and sheer determination to course a change in the life of the academic community in particular and the society in general.
The chairman of the occasion and Vice Chancellor Federal University of Kashere Professor Umar Pate, said through the works of the late Professor Abdullahi Mahdi the world has come to know and appreciate Africa in a positive perspective.
He explained that the late Professor Abdullahi Mahdi is not only a student or Professor of history but his scholarship cuts across disciplines especially on contemporary global affairs.
Speaking on behalf of the family, a son to the late academic icon General Isah Abdullahi Mahdi expressed gratitude to Gombe State Government and the University for honouring their late father, and assured that they will continue to sustain the legacy of their late father especially his support for the education of persons with disabilities.
He donated some undisclosed amounts to support the education of PWDs through the acting Vice Chancellor.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the acting Vice Chancellor Gombe State University Professor Sani Yauta, said the annual lecture is a solemn commitment to celebrate excellence, inspire new ideas and ignite conversation that can transform the society.
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