The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Tuesday, mourned the demise of Nigeria’s first emeritus professor and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Umaru Shehu.

Mr Obi took to his X handle to share his condolences and commiserate with the family of the deceased professor.

“I have just read the sad news of the passing on of Professor Umaru Shehu, an Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from 1978 to 1980. He made immense contributions to our governance, health and education sectors.

“ I sincerely commiserate with his family; the government and the people of Borno State where he hails from; the Borno Elders Forum, which he co-founded, and the Kanem Borno Historical and Cultural Foundation, which, according to reports, he founded.

“ As he goes back to his maker, God Almighty, may He forgive his sins, and grant him eternal rest; and grant his family, and all who mourn him, the fortitude to bear his loss.”

Mr Shehu was a distinguished Nigerian Professor of Medicine who held significant positions in several universities, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University and University of Ibadan.

The professor was 97 years old at the time of his death.