Danjuma, others pay tribute to ex-Uniben VC Baikie

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

Former Minister of Defence Theophilus Danjuma and other eminent Nigerians have paid glowing tributes to the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor David Adamu Baikie, who passed on recently.

Danjuma, while speaking at a Night of Tributes organised in honour of the late Baikie on Thursday in Abuja, described the deceased as a foremost educationist who contributed immensely to the development of education in the country.

The former minister explained that the event was put together to celebrate Baikie, who was also a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lesotho and the pioneer Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

According to him, “Professor David Adamu Baikie was a foremost Nigerian educationist who contributed tremendously to the development of education in Nigeria and across Africa. He served as dean of the faculty of education at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, and then went on to serve as vice-chancellor of three distinguished universities, namely the University of Benin, the University of Lesotho in Southern Africa, and Nasarawa State University.

“The focus of this evening is to reflect on the life and times of Professor Ademu. Professor David Adamu Baikie, to celebrate his excellence, his leadership qualities, his honesty, and the enduring legacy he left behind. We honor him for his selfless service to Nigeria and as a whole and to the African continent.

“It is our hope that these tributes will serve as a source of inspiration to Nigerians, especially our youths demonstrating the power of selfless service, integrity, and character building.”

Similarly, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, and the former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, in their respective tributes also eulogised the late academic for his contribution to education in the country and Africa at large.

According to Gana, “Adamu Baikie raised men who were educated and civilised and people of distinction. And I want to thank God that Professor Adamu Baikie was also a light. As a Christian, he was not ashamed of the gospel because it was the power of God for salvation.”