In a statement released on Monday, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) announced the tragic death of Yusuf Saidu, the deputy vice-chancellor of research, innovation, and development. Saidu was reportedly killed by suspected bandits while traveling from Sokoto to Kaduna.
The university’s management expressed profound sorrow over the loss, referring to it as a “painful loss” for the academic community.
“The passing of Prof. Yusuf Saidu, our esteemed Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Development, is deeply saddening,” the statement read. “He was attacked and killed by bandits during his journey from Sokoto to Kaduna. He was known for his integrity, religious devotion, dedication, and courage. May Allah accept his soul and forgive his sins. This is a significant loss for the university and the broader academic community.”
Professor Saidu specialized in nutritional biochemistry. He graduated from UDUS in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, achieving the honor of best graduating student. He earned a master’s degree in biochemistry with distinction from the University of Jos in 1994, and completed his PhD in biochemistry at UDUS in 2005.