The Northern Governors Forum has mourned the death of Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu, the first Northern Nigeria’s Professor of Community Health.

He died on Monday at the age of 97.

Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in a condolence message, described the late Umaru Shehu as a true luminary and erudite scholar whose demise left a huge void in the realms of knowledge and leadership in Nigeria.

According to Governor Yahaya, “The loss of Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu has created a profound void, not only for his family, Borno State and the University of Maiduguri, but indeed, the entire northern region, Nigeria, and the global academic community.”

He noted that Shehu was not just a name but a repository of wisdom, a beacon of knowledge, and an embodiment of dedication to his people and country.

The chairman added that Professor Umaru Shehu’s illustrious career in several universities, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Zaria, the University of Maiduguri, as well as his role as a co-founder of the Borno Elders Forum and the Kanem Borno Historical and Cultural Foundation have left an indelible mark on the society.

He said that Professor Shehu’s contributions as the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science and his distinguished position as Professor Emeritus of Community Health at the University of Maiduguri have indeed enriched the nation’s intellectual heritage.

According to him, Umaru’s global recognition as the Editor-in-Chief of the British Medical Journal was proof of his exceptional capabilities.

The NSGF chairman believed that the north has indeed lost one of its most brilliant minds and a world-class academic.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of Borno State, the University of Maiduguri Community, and the nation over the huge loss.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.