Buhari mourns as Professor Mahdi, ex-VC of 3 Nigerian universities, dies at 77

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday in Abuja commiserated with the academia over the passing of renowned historian and former Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Professor Abdullahi Mahdi.

The accomplished educationist died on Friday at the age of 77.

In a condolence message issued by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, President Buhari condoled with family members, friends and professional associates of the former vice-chancellor of Gombe State University.

Late Mahdi was also former vice-chancellor of Gombe State University of Science and Technology.

President Buhari noted that Mahdi’s contributions to educational development in the country would always be remembered.

According to him, the visionary, transformational and impactful leadership skills of the scholar, researcher and administrator remains a testimony for posterity, particularly his passion for creating an enabling environment for academics.

President Buhari prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed academic. 

Mahdi, who started his teaching career in 1984 as a senior lecturer in History at ABU rose to become the vice chancellor between 1998 and 2004.