Nigeria’s first emeritus professor, Umaru Shehu, has died at the age of 92.
His death was disclosed yesterday in a statement issued in Maiduguri by the secretary of the Borno Elders’ Forum, Dr Bulama Gubio.
Gubio said Shehu, a distinguished professor of medicine, died in the early hours of yesterday.
He said, “We regret to announce the demise of our founding father of both Kanem Borno Historical and Cultural Foundation (KBHCF) as well as the BEF.
“Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu, Dr Shettima Ali Monguno and Maina Ibrahim Damcida were the founding fathers of BEF.
“All three have now left us. He was the last of the titans. May Allah have mercy upon them.
“May All have mercy upon our foremost professor of community medicine and global giant in the field of medicine,” Gubio said.
Shehu was the vice-chancellor of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, from 1978 to 1980 and held visiting professorships in various universities, including the School of Medicine, University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, United States (US) from 1976 to 1977.
He was also a foundation fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria; foundation fellow of the West African College of Physicians; foundation fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science; and foundation fellow of the Faculty of Community Medicine (Nigeria).
Shehu was appointed honorary consultant physician in 1991 and became professor emeritus in 2000. (
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed shock and deep sadness over the passing into glory of the renowned educationist and one of the pioneer medical doctors from Northern Nigeria.
Born in 1930 in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Nonagenarian was 92 when he passed away.
In a statement by his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, the president described Shehu’s death as a big blow to the country.
Tinubu said his death had closed a glorious chapter of illustrious service to Nigeria, Nigerians, and humanity as a whole.
He said, “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.
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, Tinubu said.
According to him, the legendary academician served variously as a deputy vice chancellor, vice chancellor, and sole administrator of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and the University of Maiduguri, respectively. He 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.
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 are grieving around the world over the colossal loss of this Nigerian icon, mentor, father, son, and dedicated professional.
The President also prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased academician and statesman.
Also yesterday, Governors of the 19 northern states said they received with heavy hearts the passing of Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu, describing him as a distinguished elder statesman, and Northern Nigeria’s first professor of community health.
The chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the late academic was a true luminary and erudite scholar whose demise leaves a huge void in the realms of knowledge and leadership in Nigeria.
In a statement by the director-general, Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor said the loss of Professor Emeritus Umaru 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.
Governor Inuwa stated: “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 as 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 the North has indeed lost one of its most brilliant minds and world-class academics.
The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Borno State, the University of Maiduguri Community, and indeed the nation over the huge loss, praying to Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.
