Tinubu mourns renowned Educationist, Prof. Adamu Baikie

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned educationist and former university administrator, 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. He was laid to rest on December 23.

In a tribute, President Tinubu described the late academic as a respected teacher, mentor and revered community leader who made lasting contributions to education and provided exceptional leadership to Christian communities in Northern Nigeria.

“The death of Prof. Baikie at the ripe age of 94 closed an impactful chapter of national service. It is a blow to our educational system, where the deceased played pioneering roles, especially in tertiary education,” the President said.

Professor Baikie served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin between 1978 and 1985, the University of Lesotho from 1988 to 1995, and later as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, from 2002 to 2009.

President Tinubu noted that history would long remember Prof. Baikie for his outstanding stewardship at the University of Benin, his rare distinction as a Nigerian appointed to head a foreign university, and his foundational role in building Nasarawa State University into a centre of learning.

“His life exemplified dedication, scholarship and service to humanity,” the President added.

President Tinubu extended his condolences to the Baikie family, his protégés, former students and the academic community, praying that they find comfort in the legacy of excellence and service he left behind.

The late Prof. Baikie is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential education administrators, whose career spanned decades of impactful leadership in higher education.