THE pioneer vice chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. T. M. Yesufu, a world renowned economist passed on during the Sallah break and has been buried in his home town, Agbede Etsako West in Edo Stae on Tuesday, October 7, 2014, according to Islamic rites.

Survived by many children, nieces, uncles and nephews, the renowned economist would, forever be remembered as the pillar behind the establishment of the University of Benin that started as the Midwest Institution of Technology in 1969.

The seventh day Fidau prayers would be held on Saturday, october 11 at his residence in Boundary Road, Benin City, while the 40th day closing prayers would take place on November 13, 2014.

The late Professor sired many famous children among whom are Dr. Aminu, the proprietor of Summit Hospitals both in Lekki, Lagos and London, Dr. Nana Yesufu, health consultant and proprietress of Health Gardens, Dolphin Estate and Sefinatu Yesufu, an educationist based in Benin City, Edo State.

Contacted on phone, Barrister Abubakar Yesufu, chairman, League of Patriotic Lawyers, activist and former president, Student Union, University of Benin who is the nephew of the late icon confirmed the death and described the Prof’s death as a painful exit to contend with. He described the late Prof as a “firm believer in the rule of law, individual liberty, university autonomy and academic excellence. This is indeed the passage of an icon, sage, guru and corporate oracle.”

He called on the vice chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and President Jonathan to immortalise the icon.