The pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Professor Jonathan Ndagi, has died.

He died at the age of 96.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the university’s Governing Council, Dr Mohammed K. Santuraki, announced his death in a statement on Saturday.

Santuraki said he received the news from the deceased’s family early in the morning.

In a tribute to the late academic, Santuraki described him as a “distinguished scholar, visionary administrator and pioneer whose contributions helped lay the foundation of the institution.”

He said Ndagi belonged to the generation of institution builders whose vision, dedication and sacrifices continued to shape generations long after their pioneering work.

The Pro-Chancellor recalled visiting the late professor on November 8, 2024, as chairman of the university’s Governing Council, describing the encounter as “an opportunity to pay his respects to a scholar whose contributions to the institution remained significant.”

According to him, Ndagi’s legacy extends beyond the university to the numerous lives he touched and influenced throughout his career.

“Professor Ndagi leaves behind something far more enduring than longevity: a legacy of service, scholarship and institution building,” Santuraki said.

He extended his condolences to the deceased’s children, family, friends, former colleagues, the university’s management and Governing Council, and the entire FUT Minna community.

While acknowledging the pain of losing a loved one, Santuraki expressed hope that the family would find comfort in the knowledge that Ndagi lived a long, purposeful and fulfilled life.

“His passing is an occasion for grief, certainly, but even more importantly, an occasion to celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will endure,” he said.

The Pro-Chancellor prayed for God’s repose for the deceased and strength for his family and all those affected by his death to bear the loss. (The Nation)