The Nigerian academic community is mourning the passing of Professor Umaru Shehu, who died in Kano, Nigeria, at the age of 97. He was Nigeria's first Emeritus Professor, a renowned historian and a pioneer professor of history at Bayero University, Kano.

In a statement, Bayero University described Shehu as "a first-class pioneer academic, a prolific researcher, excellent administrator and a role model to many in the academic field."

Shehu will be remembered for his important contributions to the study of Nigerian history and his commitment to higher education in the country.

Born in 1924, Umaru Shehu received his secondary education at the prestigious Barewa College in Zaria, and later obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of London.

He was appointed as a history lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he became the first Nigerian to be promoted to the rank of full professor in the field of history.

In 1975, Shehu was appointed the Vice Chancellor of the newly established Bayero University, Kano, where he served with distinction until 1980.