Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, former Minister of Defence Gen. T.Y. Danjuma (Rtd), and other high-ranking dignitaries gathered at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre on Thursday for an evening of tribute in honor of the late Professor David Adamu Baikie, CON.
The event celebrated the life of the renowned academic, who passed away on December 12, 2025, at the age of 94. Speakers described him as a “towering intellectual” whose career fundamentally shaped the landscape of higher education in Nigeria and across the African continent.
In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang noted that while he did not share a close personal bond with the late Professor, the record of his life revealed a deep commitment to character formation and leadership development. He described the Professor’s devotion to education as a “pillar of inspiration” for future generations and a vital pathway for national progress.
General T.Y. Danjuma, who hosted the event, characterized Prof. Baikie as a “giant in the education sector” distinguished by academic excellence and unwavering integrity. He particularly emphasized the Professor’s indelible contributions to educational standards in Northern Nigeria, where he mentored thousands of students who now occupy key global positions.
Professor Baikie’s historic career included serving as the Vice-Chancellor of three institutions: the University of Benin, the National University of Lesotho, and as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi. He also served five terms as the acting Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Other notable attendees included former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana and Senator Tunde Ogbeha, both of whom added their voices to the chorus of tributes for the man many described as a “public intellectual” of the highest order.
The late scholar’s remains have already been laid to rest, following a life of service that spanned over nine decades.
