A Tribute to Late Professor Yusuf Saidu: A Capacious Man of Vision is Gone

While sitting on an armchair on the 24^th of June 2024, came a sad post of the death of Professor Yusuf Saidu; the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

Like a fish out of the water, deeply and poignantly distressed by the news, I exclaimed; ‘this can’t be true.’ But it later dawned on me that the reality of the death of Professor Yusuf Saidu was starring on my face when condolence messages started filtering in multitudes.

The inevitable HOUR had occurred. Professor Yusuf Saidu was shot and killed by the dark, blood sucking brigands and cursed men of the underworld on his way to Kaduna from Sokoto. Images of the dastardly act is a constant reminder to us of the pains he went through.

The smile you exhibit makes the dark seem bright but the game of life cannot be played forever. Your smiles, calmness, scholarship, commitment to public service and ability to  tour the path of honesty are well acknowledged both at the domestic and international parlance.

Little wonder the Masjids were full of praises and prayers for the exceptional life you lived. The cursed men of the underworld for no justifiable reason(s) took away that smile, calmness, wisdom, creativity and enthusiasm which you ably represented.

‘Daddy’, ‘Prof’. ‘Mallam ya barmu’ filtered the air like the cry of an Eagle and then followed by ultimate silence. We cried a river and our sorrows knows no end but we look unto God because he is the only one who can comfort us. You lived and died in the service of humanity and did everything within your reach to be a role model to your family, the University Community and indeed the Nation EXCEPT avoid death because it is stated in Q3 v.185, ‘KULLU NAFSIN ZAIKATUL MAUT’ (Every soul shall taste death).

A capacious man of vision is indeed gone at a time when people question the essence of government in the absence of providing adequate security for her citizens. It is time we revisit our Social Contract with the government on the protection of lives and properties as generational losses beckons. How many more needs to die before our government can be responsive? 

YA SALLAM.

Though you are gone and we cannot bring you back, there are so many memories to speak about but that would need more than a book to document it. With tears filled in my eyes and a heavy heart, I say calmly; Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajiun. I pray that Allah (SWT) grant you Jannah as your permanent abode and ask Him to comfort and watch over your family. Aaameen Ya Rabbi.

Rest in eternal peace Prof Yusuf Saidu till we meet to part no more.

Prof. Ibrahim Abdullahi, SAN
Department of Private and Business Law,
Faculty of Law,
Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

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