The death has occurred of Pof. Tijani M. Yesufu, a renowned Economist and first Nigerian Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). He died on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at the age of 88.
A statement signed by Mr. Bala Yesufu, confirmed he has been buried in his country home at Agbede, Etsako West Local Council of Edo State, according to Islamic injunction.
Meanwhile, the eight day Fidau prayers will hold on Saturday, October 11, at his residence, 7, Boundary Road, G.R.A. Benin City at 2.00pm.
He was born on June 21, 1926 at Agbede town, Edo State. He attended Government School, Agbede (1933); Government School, Ewu; Edo College, Benin City; Government College Ibadan, University of Exeter (1952); and University of London (School of Economics and Political Science). He obtained B.A (Social Studies) B.Sc. (Econs) and Ph.D. (Econs). He began his public service career with the Federal Civil Service in 1947 and then joined UNESCO in 1959. At various times he was a member of the faculty of several universities: Ibadan (1957(; Lagos (1965); and Benin (1974).Also, at various times he was Chancellor of the Universities of Ibadan, Nsukka, Ilorin and Ekpoma.
Yesufu was a member of many professional associations and had served as member and chairman of various commissions and committees at national, regional and state levels. He undertook numerous assignments to international organization and agencies. He was a member of NACCIMMA, West African Chamber of Commerce and Tropics amongst others.
Yesufu was author of numerous books and articles on Nigerian economy, Industrial Relations. He undertook a special International Project Report for UNESCO and was commissioned to study manpower and training requirements by the Edo state government.
In recognition of his scholarly works and contributions to labour development in Nigeria, Tijani M. Yesufu was conferred with the National Award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Yesufu is survived by a wife, children, grand and great grandchildren.
