President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Professor Jonah Isawa Elaigwu, a respected political scientist and President of the Institute of Governance and Social Research (IGSR), who died on Tuesday, July 22, at the age of 77.
In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President paid tribute to Professor Elaigwu’s outstanding contributions to academia, particularly in the areas of constitutional democracy, federalism, and political economy.
President Tinubu extended his sympathies to the family, friends, and academic colleagues of the late scholar, as well as to the governments and people of Benue and Plateau States, describing the deceased as “a true patriot” whose intellectual impact transcended Nigeria’s borders.
“Professor Elaigwu’s lifelong commitment to teaching, research, and institutional development reflected his deep-seated patriotism and devotion to national progress,” Tinubu stated. “Through decades of academic service at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of Jos, and through engagements at global academic platforms, he shaped political science thought in Nigeria and beyond.”
Beyond the classroom, Professor Elaigwu served on multiple presidential committees and advisory boards. His expertise was regularly sought by state and federal governments, as well as international organizations such as the World Bank, UNDP, USAID, DFID, and the British Council.
The President also praised the late academic for his numerous scholarly works and policy-oriented research on peacekeeping, governance, democracy, and human rights.
“We pray that Almighty God grants Professor Elaigwu peaceful repose and consoles his family and all who mourn his passing,” the President added.
Professor Elaigwu leaves behind a rich legacy of scholarship and public service that has influenced generations of students, policymakers, and researchers.
