Former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, Prof Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali, has mourned the death of of two distinguished Scholars, Prof Alhassan Mohammed Gani and and Prof Okelo Oculi.
Professor Alhassan Mohammed Gani was
former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, who departed this life on Sunday, 27th July 2025.
Prof Okelo Oculi, a veteran public intellectual, prolific writer, and revered academic at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria passed away on Saturday, 26th July 2025.
In his condolence message, Prof Alkali said “their contributions cannot be measured merely in titles or publications, but in the lives they touched, the institutions they built, and the truths they helped illuminate.”
Prof Alkali described them as “great minds”, adding that history will remember them.
Part of the condolence message read: “With deep sorrow and profound pain, we mourn the passing of two distinguished Scholars — Professor Alhassan Mohammed Gani, former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, who departed this life on Sunday, 27th July 2025, and Professor Okelo Oculi, veteran public intellectual, prolific writer, and revered academic at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who passed away on Saturday, 26th July 2025.
“Their deaths, occurring within a day of each other, marked a solemn and painful moment in the intellectual and academic history of our nation.
“Professor Alhassan Mohammed Gani was a visionary educationist and exemplary University Administrator. As Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, he played a critical role in laying the institutional and academic foundations of the University, guiding it through its formative years with dedication, wisdom, and a deep sense of commitment.
“A Scholar of integrity and quiet determination, Professor Gani championed access to quality education, Research and Development, and human capacity building. His leadership was marked by humility, clarity of vision, and a commitment to nurturing young minds, particularly in the under-served North Eastern Region of Nigeria.
“His passing is a great loss not only to his immediate family, to the university system but to the entire academic community and the country at large.
“Professor Okelo Oculi was a towering figure in African intellectual and literary circles and was known for his incisive critiques, Pan-Africanist ideals, and literary depth. From the classrooms of Ahmadu Bello University to Global Conferences, he remained a passionate advocate for decolonizing African knowledge systems and reclaiming the Continent’s intellectual sovereignty.
“In his writings — both academic and literary — spanned themes of African identity, political justice, social critique, and cultural consciousness. For decades, he stood as a conscience of the nation, wielding his pen with courage and conviction, often challenging oppressive systems and urging Africans to think and act with dignity and agency.
“Professor Oculi leaves behind an indelible legacy of thought leadership and literary excellence that will inspire generations to come.
“Professors Gani and Oculi represent two distinct but harmoniously intertwined paths of scholarship — one rooted in institutional development and academic leadership, the other in public intellectualism and cultural renaissance. Both men embodied the highest ideals of knowledge, service, and patriotism.
“Their contributions can not be measured merely in titles or publications, but in the lives they touched, the institutions they built, and the truths they helped illuminate.
“As we mourn their exit, we pray for eternal peace for their souls and for strength and comfort to their families, colleagues, and students.
“May their legacies continue to inspire a new generation of thinkers, builders, and dreamers.
“Adieu, great minds. Nigeria salutes you. Africa honours you. History will remember you.”
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