President Bola Tinubu has expressed shock and deep sadness over the death of foremost Nigerian educationist and one of the pioneer medical doctors from Northern Nigeria, Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu, CFR, on Monday.
Born in 1930 in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Nonagenarian was 92 when he passed away.
President Tinubu described Emeritus Professor 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.
This was disclosed in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, 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.
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 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.
