Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and other dignitaries on Friday paid glowing tributes to the late Professor Jonah Isawa-Elaigwu, a renowned academic.
Professor Elaigwu, 77, was until his passing the President of the Institute of Governance and Social Research (IGSR) and Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Jos.
He was laid to rest at the Isawa Memorial Academy in Otukpo, a secondary school he founded as a symbol of his enduring legacy in knowledge and education.
In his tribute, Governor Alia described Professor Elaigwu as ‘an illustrious son’ of Benue State and ‘a towering figure in the academic world,’ who made remarkable contributions to nation-building through ‘teaching, research, public lectures, and publications.’
‘We will remember him for his integrity, intellectual brilliance, and commitment to the unity of our nation,’ the governor said.
Also speaking, the state’s Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, said Professor Elaigwu left an indelible mark on academia, ‘shaping minds and informing policies rooted in justice, equity, and altruism.’
Ode, who was represented at the burial by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ede Ogwuche, added: ‘As a distinguished scholar of political science and international relations, his voice resonated in academic halls and policy fora, inspiring countless individuals to pursue excellence, integrity, and service.’
In his own tribute, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Benue State, Engr. Benson Abounu, said the late academic inspired him and generations of scholars to pursue their dreams.
‘We looked up to Professor Elaigwu because of his academic brilliance. He contributed immensely to the development of federalism in Nigeria, particularly during the military administration of President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida,’ Abounu recalled.
The officiating minister at the funeral service, the Archbishop of the Methodist Church in Benue State, the Most Reverend Joshua Ngbede, urged Christians to imbibe the virtues of love and forgiveness exemplified by Christ.
He praised Professor Elaigwu for his life of service and integrity and encouraged mourners to recommit themselves to promoting peace and national development.
A touching highlight of the event was a musical rendition by students of the Isawa Memorial Academy in honour of their late proprietor.
The late professor was interred within the school premises as his bereaved children and relatives wept uncontrollably.
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The national burial committee, chaired by Professor Sunday Ochoche, included dignitaries such as Justice Ejembi Eko (rtd) of the Supreme Court, Air Vice Marshal Monday Morgan (rtd), and several academics from the University of Jos, where Professor Elaigwu spent most of his academic career.
Earlier, nights of tributes were held in his honour in Abuja and Jos, where former Nigerian Heads of State – Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida, and Abdulsalami Abubakar – as well as former Senate Presidents David Mark and Iyorchia Ayu, paid glowing tributes to the late scholar for the remarkable life he lived.
At the Abuja event, Victoria Elaigwu described her father as ‘an accomplished international scholar who mentored several younger academics.’
‘He taught us the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion, leading by example in everything he did. His legacy is one of patriotism, resilience, kindness, and unyielding love. We will carry his memory in our hearts forever,’ she said.
Born in 1948, Professor Elaigwu served as a teacher, researcher, and adviser to successive governments in Nigeria. He was globally recognised for his expertise in federalism, political stability, and democratic governance.