A renowned professor of communication, Tyotom Keghku has been laid to rest amidst praises and encomium for his intellectual prowess and humanitarian gestures.
The late Prof Keghku was laid to rest at his country home, Igbor, in the Gwer East local government area of Benue State yesterday as scholars paid tribute.
Mourners and dignitaries at the occasion praised his intellectual sagacity and humanitarian services to Benue and the nation.
The member representing Gwer at the State House of Assembly, Hon Elias Audu, thanked all for honouring the late Prof.
He said the late professor was passionate about the progress of the Masev people, his kinsmen.
He, therefore, appealed for peace in Tiv land.
ACCE representative Comfort Okwela expressed sadness over losing an ardent professional and communication expert.
The representative of the Academic Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Tarnongu Kwaghfan, said his death had created a vacuum and called for prayers to prevent further deaths in the institution.
His Royal Highness (HRH), the Ter Gwer Dominic Akpeh, expressed sadness over his departure and called for peace between Gwer and Konshisha local government areas.
He described the late Prof as a pillar of the Masev nation, which he thought would steer the race to greater heights.
“We know Keghku’s pedigree. I noticed his change of looks but didn’t take it seriously because I thought he was going to lead the Masev nation.”
The vice-chancellor of Benue State University, Prof Iorapuu, said
Prof Keghku was a strong pillar of the institution.
He said the late Prof held the university community strong and cushioned the wheels of the relationship.
“He was a global figure, a Nigeria figure who served Nigeria, the university and humanity to the best of his knowledge,” he added.
Chairman Gwer East, Hon Timothy Adi, said, “We have a problem of insecurity occasioned by Fulani invaders. We shouldn’t add salt to injury.” He urged all parents to call their wards to order.
Keghku, born on 7 July 1959, began his primary school education at RCM Primary School, Dedere, Lafia, from 1963 to 1969, where he obtained his St First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC).
He proceeded to Government Secondary School, Lafia, from 1970 to 1974.
Reading his funeral oration, Mr Evaristus Keghku said the late Professor was a family man and community leader par excellence.
Following his secondary education, Prof. Keghku pursued further studies abroad. He attended the College of Journalism, Fleet Street, London, from 1981 to 1982, where he obtained a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication.
He later returned to Nigeria and enrolled at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (Marketing/Public Relations) between 1997 and 1998 and MSc in Public Relations from 1999 to 2001.
In his quest for further knowledge, the late Prof. Keghku was admitted for a PhD in Mass Communication at Benue State University, Makurdi, in 2003, and he successfully completed the programme in 2008. Again, he attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and obtained a Professional Diploma in Education and a certificate in Nigerian Cultural Studies from the Centre for Nigerian Cultural Studies from 2018 to 2020.
Prof. Tyotom Keghku began his career as a cultural assistant in the defunct Benue-Plateau, and later Benue State, between 1976 and 1992. During this time, he also served as the Public Relations Executive of the State Council for Arts and Culture.
He also worked as director of public relations and membership services at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, National Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos, from 1992 to 1997 and as director of operations at Hi-Tek Productions Limited, Jos, from 1997 to 2003.
He joined the services of Benue State University in 2003, where his academic career progressed steadily through the ranks: Assistant lecturer from 2003 to 2005, lecturer II from 2005 to 2008, and Lecturer I from 2008 to 2010. In recognition of his exemplary qualities and dedication to academic excellence, he was appointed Acting Head of the Department of Mass Communication from 2009 to 2010.
Between 2010 and 2017, he served as a part-time lecturer with Benue State University while on leave following his appointment by Governor Gabriel Suswam.
Upon his return, he was promoted to senior lecturer and, subsequently, associate professor, a rank he held long to, as it placed him firmly on the path to professor. Not long afterwards, his promotion to the rank of professor of public relations was granted in October 2024, following the university’s recognition of his extensive publications and years of professional experience.
The university administration subsequently sent his academic publications for external assessment, and confirmation of his full professorship was expected soon.
As a pioneer and visionary leader, he was appointed the first head of the Public Relations Department in the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Benue State University.
This appointment was a testament to his resourcefulness in the field of public relations, as acknowledged across Nigeria and beyond.
As the sole administrator and later rector of the College of Advanced and Professional Studies (CAPS), Makurdi (now Akawe Torkula Polytechnic), he revitalised the near-moribund institution.
He introduced the CAPS Multidisciplinary Journal and CAPS News Bulletin, facilitated the employment of over 80 academic and non-academic staff, and influenced the construction of three blocks of lecture halls and the renovation of the girls’ hostels and senior staff quarters.
Prof. Keghku was the architect of what is today known as Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, Makurdi, among numerous other achievements.
In 2018, he successfully completed his tenure as rector at CAPS, Makurdi, and returned to Benue State University.
In the course of over two decades of an unblemished academic career, Prof. Tyotom Keghku served on several university committees, often in leadership capacities.
He demonstrated his commitment to institutional growth and service. His contributions span a wide range of strategic roles and responsibilities across the University’s governance structure, such as being a co-opted member of the mobilisation, contact, and publicity subcommittee for the 10th Anniversary Celebration of CEFTER BSU from Sept. to Nov. 2024. He has been the acting head of the Department of Public Relations at Benue State University, Makurdi, since Feb. 2024.
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