President Bola Tinubu on Monday expressed deep sadness over the passing of one of the pioneer medical doctors from Northern Nigeria, Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu, 92, whom he described as a giant.
“Emeritus Professor Shehu was a giant, even among that legendary generation of pioneering indigenous professionals in our country,” Tinubu said in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu mourns prominent educationist, Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu.’
Born in 1930 in Maiduguri, Borno State, Shehu trained at the defunct University College-Ibadan, the University of Liverpool and the University of London, among others.
He 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.
Shehu also 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 in Nigeria and Ethiopia.
He was also a one-time chairman of the Board of Directors, Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria.
Tinubu described 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 stated.
Tinubu also shared his 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 loss.
The President also prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased.
2nd October 2023
