Benue bids farewell to renowned scholar, Prof. Jonah Elaigwu

The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has paid tribute to the late Professor Jonah Elaigwu, describing him as an “illustrious son” of the state and a “towering figure” in Nigeria’s academic community.

Prof. Elaigwu, a 77-year-old professor of political science, passed away on July 22, 2025, in Jos, Plateau State.

Prof. Elaigwu was laid to rest at the Isawa Memorial Academy, Otukpo Local Government Area, which he founded to promote education and knowledge development.

Governor Alia praised the late scholar for his “integrity, intellectual brilliance, and commitment to the unity of our nation.”

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Deputy Governor Sam Ode, represented by Dr. Edeh Ogwuche, noted that Prof. Elaigwu left an indelible mark in academia, shaping minds and influencing policies rooted in justice, equity, and altruism.

Former Heads of State, Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former Senate Presidents David Mark and Iyorchia Ayu, paid glowing tributes to the late scholar.

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Prof. Elaigwu’s daughter, Victoria, remembered him as an “accomplished international scholar who lived a life of hard work, integrity, and compassion.”

The officiating minister, Archbishop Joshua Ngbede, urged Christians to emulate Prof. Elaigwu’s virtues of love, forgiveness, and service.

Prof. Elaigwu served as President of the Institute of Governance and Social Research (IGSR) and Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Jos.

He was widely recognized for his expertise in federalism, political stability, and democratic governance, and was a teacher, researcher, and adviser to successive Nigerian governments.