Prof. Jalingo dies at 67

The Vice Chancellor of Taraba State University, Professor Ahmed Usman Jalingo died yesterday at the age of 67 in his house at Kano. Jalingo died after a brief illness. Announcing his death, his son, Mubarak Ahmed said his father had been sick for about two weeks. The deceased attended the Jalingo elementary school, Ramat College, Yola, Leeds University, UK and the University of Edinburg. He was appointed Vice Chancellor of the Taraba University in 2008. He is survived by one wife and five children.

Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has mourned the late Vice Chancellor, describing him as an inspirational personality. Professor Jalingo was an Assistant Secretary of the ACF.  This was contained in a statement issued by Mr. Anthony Sani, the forum’s national publicity secretary. In a telephone interview with Daily Trust, the Vice chancellor of Bayero University Kano, Professor Abubakar Rasheed also described Jalingo as an intellectual colossus, whose contribution to scholarship cannot be surpassed. He said the don was a great political scientist, who after a brief stint in politics returned to the classroom despite pressure for him to stay on.

Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, the Attorney General of Sokoto State, a former secretary of the ACF, described the deceased as a very humble and down-to-earth person. He said the late professor related very well with people irrespective of age difference, difference in ideology or creed.

According to the Attorney general, Jalingo was always encouraging people, especially the youths through scholarships. Alhaji Inuwa maintained that the late scholar was a detribalised Nigerian and a patriot.

Alhaji Lawal Idris, his former colleague at ACF, described Jalingo as a friend and a very responsible person.  According to him, the late don was among the elders committee of the CPC, who gave wise counsel. He prayed Allah to grant him eternal rest.