By: Godwin Onuh Odeh January 4, 2025, marks a day of profound sorrow, a day that will forever be etched in our memories as the...
By: Godwin Onuh Odeh
January 4, 2025, marks a day of profound sorrow, a day that will forever be etched in our memories as the day we bid farewell to a giant of academia, Professor Nuhu O. Yaqub. The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the academic community, leaving us numb and bewildered. For me, it was a double blow, coming just a day after I lost my elder brother, Mr. Linus Odeh. It was a time of sorrow upon sorrow, a time that tested my faith and resilience.
Professor Nuhu served academia with distinction for decades, leaving an indelible mark on the sands of time. He was a beacon of wisdom, a mentor to many, and a pillar of strength to those who knew him. His contributions to the field of Political Science are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. He was a renowned professor of Comparative Politics and Government, widely traveled and cited, and his work continues to be studied and revered by scholars around the world.
Among his many outstanding engagements, Professor Nuhu served as the Vice Chancellor of the prestigious University of Abuja, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision. His stellar performance earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, and he was subsequently appointed as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Sokoto State University, where he served with distinction until the end of his tenure in 2017.
A respected scholar of Nuhu's caliber and age is not just an academic priest and ancestor in their field but a mobile archive and library. His vast knowledge and expertise were a treasure trove, and his willingness to share it with others was a testament to his generosity and humility. Thus, the death of Professor Nuhu O Yaqub equates to the burning of a library, underscoring the authority he wielded in his field.
Professor Nuhu Yaqub's relations with colleagues and younger ones like us were superb. He was a kind and compassionate mentor, always willing to lend a listening ear and offer words of wisdom. His constant calls to check on me and the family remain memorable. Each time my phone rang and I picked, he would say, "Goddy, how is Sokoto? I hope you are doing well and the family, and I hope you are still publishing?" Similar questions, Professor Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, the current Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Brinin Kebbi, usually asks each time we meet.
Since my encounter with Professor Nuhu O Yaqub, I had never missed Christmas and New Year messages despite our religious differences, showing how human relations and tolerance could be promoted despite our varying faiths. This interaction, human relations, and humility are what the current Vice Chancellor of Sokoto State University, Professor MB. Yerima, displays in felicitating Christian staff during the Christmas season. What a show of love and exemplary humility.
Professor Nuhu's impact on the academic community extends beyond his publications and administrative roles. He was a true leader, inspiring countless students and colleagues with his vision, passion, and dedication. His legacy will continue to shape the minds of future generations, and his memory will remain a guiding light for those who seek to make a difference in the world.
As I reflect on Professor Nuhu's life and legacy, I am reminded of the countless ways he touched the lives of those around him. His kindness, generosity, and humility are traits that we should all strive to emulate. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in our hearts and in the hearts of those who knew him.
The death of Professor Nuhu O Yaqub is a huge loss to the academic community, and to the younger generation of scholars like us who would have tapped more from his fountain of knowledge. Prof., you are dearly loved and missed, may you rest in peace.
Dr. Godwin Onuh Odeh
Department of History and International Studies
Sokoto State University, Sokoto.
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