Tribute (Personality)
Professor Umaru Shehu
The tributes that followed the death of Professor Emiritus Professor Umaru Shehu, a popular Nigerian academic and professor of medicine shows the magnitude of his lost to the nation.
Professor Shehu was born in Maiduguri on 8 December 1930 and died Monday, October 2, 2023 aged 97.
His death was announced by Borno Elders Forum, in a statement.
He is a Professor Emeritus, Community health, University of Maiduguri and former President of the Nigerian Academy of Science. Professor Umaru received a Bachelor of Medicine degree, MBBS from the University of London.
He also received a fellowship of the Institute of Cancer Research and he is the editor-in-chief of the British Medical Journal.
Professor Shehu attended Elementary School, Maiduguri 1935-1940; Middle School, Maiduguri 1941-1943; Kaduna College, Kaduna 1944-1947; University College Ibadan 1948-1953.
He was at the University of Liverpool between 1953-1956, and 1966-1967. Professor Shehu holds MBBS (London), IRCF (London), MRCS (England), DPH (Liverpool), FMCPH, MFCM, FFCM (UK), FFCM (Nigeria), FAS, FWACP, DFMC (Nigeria).
Professor Shehu held various positions in different universities including Ahmadu Bello University to take up appointment as Reader and Acting Head of Department of Community Medicine 1968-1970.
He was Deputy Dean, Faculty of Medicine 1968-1970; Acting Director, Institute of Health 1969-1970; Professor of Community Medicine 1970; Head of Department of Community Medicine 1970-1978; Director, Institute of Health 1970-1977; Deputy Vice Chancellor 1975-1976; Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic) 1977-1978.Professor Shehu held visiting professorships in various universities.
He was appointed Vice Chancellor at the University Of Nigeria Nsukka from (UNN) from (1978–1980). At Bayero University Kano he was Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council from (1993–1996) and also Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council at the University Of Lagos from (1996–1999).
He has held memberships and offices in several committees councils panels and commissions at both national and international levels.
Apart from holding active memberships in professional bodies such as the Nigerian Medical Association The Society Of Health Nigeria Science Association Of Nigeria Association Of Community Physicians Of Nigeria And The Nigerian Academy Of Science Professor Shehu is also a Foundation Fellow.
He holds Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria And The University Of Nigeria Nsukka. In (2000) he was awarded Commander Of The Federal Republic (CFR).
