Nigeria Mourns the Loss of First Emeritus Professor, Umaru Shehu, at 97.
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Nigeria is mourning the passing of Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu, the first Emeritus Professor in the country, who breathed his last at the age of 97. The sad news was conveyed in a statement released on Monday, October 2, by Dr. Bulama Gubio, the secretary of the Borno Elders Forum (BEF), in Maiduguri.
Dr. Gubio announced that Professor Umaru Shehu, a distinguished figure in the field of medicine, passed away on Monday morning, leaving behind a legacy that spans generations.
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“We regret to announce the demise of our founding father of both Kanem Borno Historical and Cultural Foundation (KBHCF) as well as the BEF,” stated Dr. Gubio. “Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu, CFR, 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.”
Professor Shehu’s contributions to medicine and education are immeasurable. He held visiting professorships at several universities, including the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, United States, from 1976 to 1977. He also served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from 1978 to 1980.
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Notably, he was a founder fellow of prestigious institutions, such as the West African College of Physicians, the Nigerian Academy of Science, the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, and the Faculty of Community Medicine (Nigeria).
In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field, Professor Shehu was granted the title of Professor Emeritus in 2000, following his appointment as an Honorary Consultant Physician in 1991.
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His passing marks the end of an era in Nigerian academia and medicine. Professor Umaru Shehu leaves behind a rich legacy that has significantly influenced the medical and educational landscapes of Nigeria, and his contributions will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
As Nigeria mourns this great loss, tributes pour in from across the nation, honoring the life and work of a true pioneer and visionary in the field of medicine and education.
