UNIBEN Mourns Former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Baikie, Who Dies at 94

The University of Benin is mourning the death of its former Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adamu Baikie, who died at 94, with the current VC, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, describing him as a distinguished educationist and administrator whose contributions significantly shaped higher education in Nigeria and across Africa.

The University of Benin has announced the passing of one of its former Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Adamu Baikie, who died at the age of 94.

The current Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, conveyed his sympathies to the Baikie family and the wider academic community following the loss. His message was contained in a statement released on Saturday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Benedicta Ehanire.

Prof. Omoregie described the late professor as a highly respected scholar whose contributions to education left a lasting impact in Nigeria and beyond the country. He noted that Prof. Baikie was a prominent figure whose influence extended across the African continent.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Prof. Baikie passed away in Zaria, Kaduna State. He served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin between 1978 and 1986 and was widely acknowledged as the first Professor of Education in Northern Nigeria.

The UNIBEN Vice-Chancellor characterized him as a visionary educationist and an accomplished administrator who pioneered innovative approaches that helped shape the development of higher education in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

Beyond his tenure at the University of Benin, Prof. Baikie also rendered notable service as Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Lesotho and later Nasarawa State University. His leadership, according to Prof. Omoregie, played a significant role in strengthening academic institutions in diverse environments.

He urged members of the Baikie family to find comfort in the knowledge that the late professor lived a purposeful and impactful life devoted to learning, leadership, and service to humanity.

“His dedication within and outside Nigeria was remarkable, and his legacy will continue to guide and inspire future generations of scholars and university administrators,” Omoregie said.

He also offered prayers for the peaceful repose of Prof. Baikie’s soul and asked for divine comfort for his family, friends, colleagues, and all those affected by his passing.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PUNCH