“He Served Nigeria Meritoriously” – Tinubu Mourns Emeritus Professor Umar Shehu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of Emeritus Professor and Chairman of the board of the Nigerian Institute of Virology, Umar Shehu.

Naija News reported that Umar died after a brief illness at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, at the age of 92.

In his condolence message released on Monday by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President said the death of the Emeritus Professor is a big loss to the country and the field of medicine.

President Tinubu expressed shock and sadness over the death of a foremost Nigerian educationist and one of the pioneer medical doctors from Northern Nigeria.

Tinubu 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.”

President Tinubu shared his condolences with the people and government of Borno State, the deceased statesman’s family, and the Nigerian medical community.

He also condoled with friends of the late elder statesman and many others who were grieving around the world over the colossal loss of this Nigerian icon, mentor, father, son and dedicated professional.

The president said the death of Shehu had closed a glorious chapter of illustrious service to Nigeria, Nigerians, and humanity as a whole and prayed for the repose of his soul.