Professor Muhammed Kuta Yahaya of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan has penned a tribute to mourn the death of Prof Anthony Azubuike Elueze, a Professor of Geology at the University of Ibadan who passed away on the 25th of June 2017.

Expressing his sorrow at the death of his colleague by penning a tribute titled: Remembering Prof Anthony Azubuike Elueze and his fond memories of BIDA, Prof Yahaya described the late professor as “principled, methodical, service based and a man blessed with profound amiable personality.”

Prof Yahaya in the tribute made available to CEOAfrica, recalled the fond memories he shared with the late Prof Elueze and showered encomiums on the late scholar for his numerous intellectual contributions to the University as well as in the lives of others.

The tribute reads in part: “His numerous accomplishments and contributions to scholarship and human capital development provided these soubriquets, which will indeed outlive him. Professor Elueze, you are gone but your legacies lives on!

“Your outstanding records of distinction cannot be ignored but aptly an enviable addition to the data base of great men of history in the frame of great legends like Physicist Albert Einstein, renowned geologists – Brent Cook and Raghnatharao.

“It is on record that you were the first person ever to earn a First Class BSc Geology degree from the nation’s premier University- University of Ibadan, a phenomenal feat that earn you immediate appointment as academic staff of the Department of Geology, UI, immediately after your NYSC in 1975.

“You were unarguably highly respected for your outstanding scholarship, especially classical and pioneering contributions to the scientific breakthroughs in mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry and economic geology among others. Your products are all over the world contributing to global development in many spheres of life!

“Prof Elueze, you will forever be remembered for your kind-heartedness, distinctive personality and scholarship. It is not easy to forget your ever cheerful and noble mien, your passion and commitment to your convictions and steadfastness. I will always remember the purity of Anthony Elueze’s heart…”