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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has paid tribute to late Professor Jonah Isawa-Elaigwu, who passed away on July 22, 2025 in Jos, Plateau State.
In a condolence message at Professor Elaigwu’s funeral service in Otukpo Local Government Area yesterday, Governor Alia described the deceased as an “illustrious son” of the state and “a tall figure in the academic world.”
He noted that the famed professor of political science made his mark in nation-building through “teaching, research, public lectures and publications.”
Alia said: “We will remember him for his integrity, intellectual brilliance, and commitment to the unity of our nation.”
The state deputy governor, Barr Sam Ode, said the deceased left an indelible mark in the academia, “shaping minds and informing policies rooted in justice, equity and altruism.”
Sam Ode who was represented by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Edeh Ogwuche said: “As a distinguished scholar of Political Science and International Relations, his voice resonated in academic halls, policy fora, inspiring countless individuals to pursue excellence, integrity, and service.”
In his funeral oration, the deputy governor acknowledged the late scholar’s contribution in bridging the gap between the tiers of government aimed at deepening federalism.
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Elaigwu’s casket was laid at the Isawa Memorial Academy at Otukpo, a high school he founded as symbol of his legacy in knowledge production.
Speaking at the event, the immediate-past deputy governor of Benue, Engr Benson Abounu, said the late academia inspired him and generations of scholars to pursue their dreams.
The officiating minister at the funeral service, the Archbishop of the Methodist Church in Benue State, Most Revd Joshua Ngbede, urged Christians to imbibe the virtues of love and forgiveness which Christ embodied.
One of the highlights of the event was a rendition by students of the Isawa Memorial Academy for their beloved proprietor.
The national burial committee of the late Elaigwu, led by Professor Sunday Ochoche, led dignitaries including Justice Ejembi Eko; a retired justice of Nigeria’s Supreme Court, Air Vice-Marshal Monday Morgan (rtd), and academics from the University of Jos, where Professor Elaigwu lived much of his academic life.
Professor Elaigwu, 77, until his death was President, Institute of Governance and Social Research (IGSR) and Professor Emeritus (Political Science), University of Jos.
Born in 1948, Prof. Elaigwu served as a teacher, researcher, and adviser to successive governments in Nigeria. He was globally recognised for his expertise in federalism, political stability, and democratic governance.
In a tribute, his daughter, Victoria Elaigwu, said their father was “an accomplished international scholar who mentored several younger scholars.”
