Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State today expressed sadness over the death of the first Vice-Chancellor of the Gombe State University, Professor Abdullahi Mahadi.
Mahadi, who was also the nineth VC of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, passed away on Friday night at the age of 77.
The governor, in a press release issued by his media aide, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, described the late university don as an accomplished educationist and erudite Professor, who carried out his academic and administrative duties with a deep sense of patriotism and dedication.
He said: “The governor, on behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, his associates, the academic community and the entire nation, praying Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.”
The governor also said Mahadi’s footprints in Gombe State University and other institutions where he served would remain indelible “on the academic sands of time.”
He said: “We have indeed lost a great man, an administrator per excellence, who made great marks on our education sector. His wealth of experience and sterling knowledge of education and environmental management will be sorely missed.”
He urged the family of the deceased to take solace in the fact that the professor lived a life of service to God and humanity and impacted positively on many lives, and leaving behind a good name.
Mahadi was born in December 1945 in Gwoza, Borno State and obtained a bachelor’s degree in History from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and subsequently obtained a Master’s and doctorate in the same field.
He started teaching in ABU in 1984 and held various positions in the university.
He was Vice-Chancellor of the institution between 1998 and 2004.
Mahadi had served as president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Subsequently, he was appointed as the pioneer VC of Gombe State University of Science and Technology.
His son, Professor Musa Abdullahi Mahadi, is the Director, Division of Agricultural Colleges (DAC), at ABU, Zaria.
