President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned educationist and former vice chancellor, Professor Adamu Baikie, describing his passing as a major loss to Nigeria’s education sector and the nation at large.
Professor Baikie, the first Professor of Education from Northern Nigeria, died on December 12, 2025, at the age of 94, and was buried on December 23.
In a tribute, President Tinubu described the late academic as a respected teacher, mentor and community leader who provided exceptional leadership, particularly within Christian communities in Northern Nigeria.
The president noted that Prof. Baikie’s death marked the end of an era of impactful national service, highlighting his pioneering contributions to tertiary education in Nigeria.
“History will long remember Prof. Baikie for his stewardship at the University of Benin and, later, as a Nigerian appointed to lead a foreign university, as well as for his role as the pioneer vice-chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi,” President Tinubu said.
Professor Baikie served as vice-chancellor of the University of Benin between 1978 and 1985, later headed the University of Lesotho from 1988 to 1995, and went on to serve as vice-chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, from 2002 to 2009.
President Tinubu also extended his condolences to the Baikie family, as well as to his protégés and former students, praying that they find comfort in the legacy of service and excellence he left behind.
