Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has mourned the passing of the renowned political scientist, Prof. Jonah Elaigwu, describing him as one of Benue’s brightest minds and a pillar in Nigeria’s academic landscape.
Prof. Elaigwu, who passed away on July 22 in Jos, Plateau State, was laid to rest on Friday at the Isawa Memorial Academy, Otukpo Local Government Area — an institution he established to promote education and intellectual development.
In his condolence message delivered at the funeral, Governor Alia praised the late scholar for his lifelong dedication to teaching, research, and public service, noting that his impact on national development would remain indelible.
“We will remember him for his integrity, intellectual brilliance, and commitment to the unity of our nation,” Alia stated.
Representing the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Edeh Ogwuche, described Prof. Elaigwu as a trailblazer in political science and international relations.
He said the late academic’s ideas were deeply rooted in justice, fairness, and service to humanity.
Former Benue Deputy Governor, Mr. Benson Abounu, also paid tribute, recalling how Prof. Elaigwu mentored countless students and contributed immensely to Nigeria’s federal system, particularly during the administration of former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
Delivering the sermon, Archbishop Joshua Ngbede of the Methodist Church, Benue, urged mourners to emulate the late professor’s virtues of humility, forgiveness, and dedication to nation-building. He described Elaigwu as “a man of faith and unshakable integrity.”
Students of Isawa Memorial Academy honoured their late founder with songs before his remains were interred within the school premises — fulfilling his final wish.
Among the dignitaries present were retired Supreme Court Justice Ejembi Eko, Air Vice Marshal Monday Morgan (rtd), academics from the University of Jos, and members of the national burial committee led by Prof. Sunday Ochoche.
Earlier, nights of tributes were held in Abuja and Jos, attended by former Heads of State — Generals Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida, and Abdulsalami Abubakar — as well as former Senate Presidents David Mark and Iyorchia Ayu, all of whom extolled Prof. Elaigwu’s exceptional intellect and patriotism.
Until his passing at the age of 77, Prof. Elaigwu served as President of the Institute of Governance and Social Research (IGSR) and Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Jos.
His daughter, Victoria Elaigwu, remembered him as “an accomplished international scholar who lived a life of hard work, integrity, and compassion,” adding that “his legacy will remain with us forever.”
Born in 1948, Prof. Jonah Elaigwu was celebrated for his scholarship in federalism, political stability, and democratic governance — and for his unwavering devotion to the pursuit of knowledge and national unity.
