Tinubu, Northern Govs Mourn Renowned Educationist, Shehu

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

President Bola Tinubu and northern governors have expressed shock and deep sadness over the passing, yesterday, of a foremost Nigerian educationist and one of the pioneer medical doctors from Northern Nigeria, Professor Umaru Shehu. He was aged 92.

The president, in a release by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, described Professor Shehu’s death as a big blow to the country, saying 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.”

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 were grieving around the world over the colossal loss and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Also, the Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State,  Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has received with heavy hearts, the passing of Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu, a distinguished elder statesman, and Northern Nigeria’s first Professor of Community Health, who died at the age of 97.

According to a press release issued by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe, 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,” he said.