Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has expressed deep shock over the death of renowned academic, Professor Abdullahi Onimisi, a Professor of Educational Psychology, who died in the early hours of Thursday.
In a condolence statement issued through his media office, Bello described the passing of the distinguished scholar as a devastating blow, not only to Ebiraland and Kogi State, but to Nigeria and the wider global academic community.
The former governor said the late professor was a man of immense impact, particularly within Nigeria’s education sector, noting that his depth of knowledge, experience and dedication had contributed significantly to the advancement of education and the development of countless scholars across the country.
According to Bello, Professor Abdullahi was a man of peace, integrity and selfless commitment, who devoted his life to mentoring and shaping future leaders through education.
The former governor recalled that the late professor hailed from the Ozi Osusu Clan of Ahache, Agassa Ward, in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, and had served as a highly respected professor at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State. He said Professor Abdullahi’s outstanding contributions to education, scholarship and national development had earned him widespread respect and admiration, both within and beyond academic circles.
Bello described the death as painful and a monumental loss to the nation, adding that throughout his distinguished career, the late professor remained steadfast in his pursuit of knowledge, academic excellence and the advancement of future generations.
He further noted that as Provost of the Federal College of Education, Okene, Professor Abdullahi provided exemplary leadership, upheld high academic standards, and nurtured young scholars. Bello said the late academic inspired both staff and students alike through his wisdom, discipline and unwavering commitment to quality education.
Condoling the family of the late academic icon, the people of Ebiraland and the wider academic community, the former governor prayed that Almighty Allah grant the departed soul Aljannah Firdaus, and grant his family, friends and associates the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
