Prof Shehu, Gentle Intellectual Giant, Goes Home

just as the nation was about recovering from the shock of the death of pioneer chartered accountant, Chief Akintola Williams, the passing of another intellectual beacon, Professor Umaru Shehu, points to the depletion of old guard personalities who paved the way for younger generations in their fields.

Himself and Professor Ishaya Audu, also of blessed memory, were among the first generation medical doctors of Northern origin, who set the standards that opened up the space for other younger and aspiring Northerners.

In his days as the first Northerner to be appointed the Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Professor Shehu made significant contributions to the academic and administrative development of that pioneer and first generation tertiary institution in Nigeria.

For Professor Shehu born on December 8, 1930, his footsteps in the medical profession which included years as an academic and administrator will remain indelible. The significant positions he held in several universities, including the University of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Maiduguri tell a story of a man in high demand for his willingness to invest his much-acclaimed intellectual fecundity in the pursuit of the ultimate good of the nation in the health and education sector.

Without doubt, the erudite scholar deployed his immense intellectual presence to impact positively on the environment at a time indigenous, albeit, quality manpower was in short supply. The nation he served so well will continue to cherish his contributions in the field of Human Virology, an area he functioned as the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria.

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To put his versatility in context, Professor Shehu, even with his high-flying life in the public sector, did not lose sight of his background. He was close to his roots and was instrumental to the founding of the Kanem Borno Historical and Cultural Foundation as well as the Borno Elders Forum, two organisations that have helped in no small measure in ensuring that the past is not lost in the frenzy of modernity.

Commenting on the death of the foremost Emeritus Professor of Medicine, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said that he 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 President continued, “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.”

Professor Umaru Shehu was born in Maiduguri in present day Borno state.  He attended elementary school in Maiduguri, and studied at Kaduna College in Zaria, before proceeding to University College Ibadan. He also spent time at the University of Liverpool in two separate periods, and obtained his medical degree from the University of London.

He was, at various times, a Pre-registration House Surgeon at the Southport Infirmary in the United Kingdom. On his return to Nigeria, he served as a Pre-registration Physician for the Government of Northern Nigeria. The then young doctor gradually climbed the career ladder within the medical field, holding the positions of Medical Officer, Senior Medical Officer, Principal Medical Officer, Assistant Chief Medical Officer and Chief Medical Officer in the Preventive Services Division.

Before being posted to University of Nigeria as Vice Chancellor by the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo, he occupied the same position at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. During his tenure at the University of Maiduguri, Professor Shehu held significant positions and made notable contributions to the institution including the responsibility as Sole Administrator.

Professor Shehu was also the chairman of the Board of Management at the University College Hospital Ibadan, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Bayero University, Kano as well as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at University of Lagos.

Professor Shehu’s career later went international as he served as the President of Medical Schools in Africa. He was also Consultant for the Working Group on Health Services and Manpower Development Mechanism in Geneva, Consultant for Technical Discussions at the 24th WHO Regional Committee for Africa and National WHO Program Coordinator/Representative in Nigeria, Director of the WHO Sub-Regional Health Development Office III and WHO Representative to Ethiopia.

Professor Shehu held Honorary Doctor of Science Degrees of Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. In 1979, the Government of Nigeria awarded him the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), and in 2000 he was awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). Furthermore, in 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan presented him with the Centenary award, a prestigious recognition commemorating Nigeria’s 100 years of existence as a nation.

This newspaper joins his family, other relations, associates and friends in wishing him a peace repose.