Saadu, ex-Education minister dies at 79

FORMER minister of state for Education, Alhaji Saka Saadu has been reported dead.

Saadu, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, served at different times as permanent secretary and secretary to state government in Kwara state.

Saadu, of Aseleke compound, Okekere, Ilorin, died on Monday aged 79.

A statement by the spokesman of the family, Alhaji Bolaji Saadu, said Janaza prayer had been held on Monday evening at the deceased’s family residence while burial also held at his residence, off Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin.

In a condolence message, the Kwara state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, described the death of the former minister as shocking and great loss to the state.

Ahmed in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba said the late educationist would long be remembered for his outstanding contributions to the development of education in Nigeria.

According to him, as a public officer, the late Saadu was “an administrator per excellence and the state would no doubt miss his wealth of experience in repositioning the state’s civil service”.

He described the deceased as a community leader and devoted Muslim, who lived an exemplary life in the service of Allah and his community.

The governor prayed Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest, and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.