A statement signed by Princess (Dr.) H. I. Ogan, the alumni acting national president and Wale Akintade, the national publicity secretary made available to Weekly Trust yesterday in Lagos, said late “President Yar’adua, a great leader, a patriot and a gentleman did so much for his alma mater- the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained a B.Sc in Education and Chemistry, and later an M.Sc in Analytical Chemistry in 1975 and 1978 respectively; Katsina State, where he gave true meaning to leadership and governance; and our country, Nigeria, where he started the process of creating a new Nigeria.”
It said the alumni is “deeply saddened that he had to depart in his prime and at this stage of our national life when his services are greatly needed.”
“His contributions and selfless service to the course of humanity are everywhere for us to see and too numerous to mention. Nigeria indeed has lost a true leader, a man who deeply loved his country and cared about the less privileged despite his own aristocratic background. We are indeed sad that our country could not fully benefit from the abundance of the talents which God Almighty endowed him with. We are, however, consoled by the fact that he was such a positive influence and indeed, a role model who left his footprints on the sands of time. He will be remembered as a fair, egalitarian, responsible and honest leader,” it said.