By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria- July 20, 2026 (Series News Online) -The Kebbi Development Forum, KDF, has described the death of Professor U.T. Mohammed as a monumental loss to education and national development.
Professor Mohammed, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, died on July 20, 2026, after a prolonged illness.
In a statement signed by its president, Dr. Saidu Abubakar, KDF said the late professor was one of Kebbi State’s most distinguished intellectuals and respected scholars.
“The death of Professor Mohammed marks the loss of one of Kebbi State’s most distinguished intellectuals, accomplished educational administrators, and respected scholars whose life was devoted to the advancement of knowledge, institution-building, and human capital development,” Dr. Abubakar said.
A specialist in Educational Administration and Planning, Professor Mohammed was a pioneer staff member of the Faculty of Education and Extension Services, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He later served as Provost of the Federal College of Education, Katsina, and as a member of the Governing Board of the West African Examinations Council, WAEC.
KDF noted that his career culminated in his service as Dean of the Faculty of Education at the Federal University Birnin Kebbi.
“His subsequent service at the Federal University Birnin Kebbi, culminating in his role as Dean of the Faculty of Education, is a reflection of a distinguished career built on scholarship, leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” the statement said.
The forum described the late don as an institution-builder, mentor, and gentleman of remarkable humility.
“Professor Mohammed was not only an outstanding academic but also an institution-builder, a mentor, and a gentleman of remarkable humility and wisdom. He earned the admiration and respect of colleagues, students, and associates through his calm disposition, sound judgement, professionalism, and dedication to the noble ideals of education as a vehicle for societal transformation,” Dr. Abubakar said.
KDF said the true value of a scholar is measured by impact rather than titles.
“The true value of a scholar is measured not merely by academic titles or administrative offices, but by the lives touched, the minds nurtured, the institutions strengthened, and the enduring ideas left behind. By this measure, Professor U.T. Mohammed leaves a legacy that will continue to resonate for generations,” Dr. Abubakar stated.
The forum said his passing comes at a time when Nigeria needs experienced educators and principled leaders.
“His passing is a painful loss to his immediate family, the Federal University Birnin Kebbi community, the academic fraternity, Kebbi State, and indeed Nigeria. At a time when the nation requires experienced educators, visionary administrators, and principled leaders to guide its institutions, the departure of a man of his stature is particularly poignant,” Dr. Abubakar said.
KDF extended condolences to the family, the Federal University Birnin Kebbi community, and all who knew him, and prayed for Allah’s mercy on his soul.
“On behalf of the leadership and entire membership of the Kebbi Development Forum, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, the management, staff and students of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi, his colleagues in academia, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. We pray that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, grants him eternal repose in Aljannatul Firdaus, and bestows strength and comfort upon all those affected by this great loss,” Dr. Abubakar said.
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