Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu, CFR, a leading figure in Nigerian education and a pioneering physician from Northern Nigeria, passed away on Monday, shocking and saddening President Bola Tinubu.
The Nonagenarian, who was born in Maiduguri, Borno State, in 1930, passed away at the age of 92.
Emeritus Professor Shehu’s passing was characterized as a serious blow to the nation by President Tinubu, who added that it marked the end of a golden era of distinguished service to Nigeria, Nigerians, and mankind as a whole.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s special adviser on media and publicity, revealed this in a statement on Monday.
“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.
Emeritus Professor Shehu, who had his training at the now-defunct University College-Ibadan, the University of Liverpool, and the University of London, among other institutions, spent a career juggling Nigeria’s medical and academic institutions in addition to making a number of noteworthy appearances on the international scene.
Tinubu sent his sincere sympathies to the people and government of Borno State, the family of the late statesman, the Nigerian medical profession, and a great number of others who are mourning the tragic loss of this revered Nigerian figure, mentor, father, son, and committed professional.
The President also prayed for the academician and statesman’s soul to find peace.