President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his profound condolences to the family, people and Government of Borno State, over the death of a foremost Nigerian educationist and one of the pioneer medical doctors from Northern Nigeria, Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu, CFR.
The President’s condolences were contained in a message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale.
The Nigerian Leader who expressed shock and deep sadness over the passing into glory of Emeritus Professor Shehu, described his death as a big blow to the country.
He said that his demise 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 added.
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; the 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 Organization (WHO) in Nigeria and Ethiopia.
The President also prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased academician and statesman.
The late Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu was born in 1930 in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Nonagenarian was 92 when he passed away.
