It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing away of Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu, CON, CFR, who was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN). This sad event occurred on Monday, 2nd October 2023.
Professor Umaru Shehu was an exemplary figure, a distinguished physician, academic, and administrator whose profound impact extended far beyond our organization. His vast clinical expertise in the field of community medicine was an invaluable asset to both the IHVN Board and our beloved nation, Nigeria.
Professor Shehu’s remarkable journey in the academic and healthcare sectors included achievements such as his education at the prestigious University of Ibadan and the University of Liverpool, where he honed his skills. He also became a fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College. Furthermore, he served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, from 1977 to 1978. He was later appointed as the Vice Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from 1978 to 1980. His leadership expertise extended to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, where he chaired the Board of Management of the teaching hospital from 1991 to 1994.
Professor Shehu’s legacy was not limited to the academia; he held esteemed positions as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Bayero University, Kano, and the University of Lagos from 1993 to 1999. Furthermore, he provided invaluable guidance when he chaired the Boards of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and STOPAIDS.
Beyond his distinguished roles, Professor Shehu was recognized with the prestigious national award of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR). He was not only a scholar of international repute, with numerous publications to his name, but also a Consultant to the World Health Organization (WHO). His dedication to the field of Community Medicine culminated in his appointment as a Professor Emeritus at the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria.
In his lifetime, Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu remained an active member of various international and local professional bodies, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical knowledge worldwide.