Renowned economist, Prof. Sam Aluko, died in the early hours of Tuesday at a private hospital in Newcastle, England.

An official statement from his first son, Prof Bolaji Aluko, who is the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Otuoke, was being awaited as at press time.

A family source however told our correspondent that the former Chairman of the National Economic Intelligence Committee, would have been 83 years old on August 19 this year.

The source said, “Prof. Sam Aluko is dead. He died this morning in a London Hospital after a brief illness. His wife of 56 years was by his bed when he breadth his last.”

A condolence register was opened at his 30, Owo Avenue, Ijapo area of Akure where he lived for many years.

He was said to have travelled abroad on January 6 this year for a routine check-up.

Aluko was the first Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ife, now called Obafemi Awolowo University. In 1981, he served on a committee constituted to produce a framework for the Ambrose Ali University Ekpoma in the old Bendel State.

He was one of Nigeria’s most prominent economists who has had a fair share of public exposure. His economic philosophy tows the lines of John Maynard Keynes.

He was born in August 17, 1929 to the Aluko Fagbohun family of Ode Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Aluko achieved a rare feat of finishing his MSc with Distinction at the London School of Economics.

As a student in LSE, he criticised the budget of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo so much that the Western Region decided to withdraw his scholarship and requested that he should return home. The school authorities however replied that if the scholarship was withdrawn, the school would take over and foot the bill. He was thereafter sent a letter of congratulation signed by Chief Awolowo.

He started his education in his home town at St Mary’s School, Ode Ekiti, he was there from 1936-1940, before moving to Emmanuel School, Ado Ekiti; he also attended Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti.

He then took time studying privately and later achieved a Second Class honours in Economics from the University of London.

His chosen profession early in life was high school teaching and administration.

He was the principal of Zik’s College of Commerce, Sapele and Vice-principal of Lagos City College. During the period, he participated in various local organisations including membership of the Ode Ekiti Progressive Union and the Ekiti’s People’s Party in 1953.


http://www.punchng.com/news/aluko-renowned-economist-dies/

R.I.P Baba

Dr. Aluko is first and foremost a nationalist who strongly believes that, with patience, tolerance and willingness to understand the truth about the Nigerian polity, almost all problems facing the nation today can be sorted out amicably. He considers the diversity of our multicultural society as an asset that ought to be exploited for the betterment of all rather than as a liability that should mesmerize and paralyze us. His engagement in politics appeared to be guided by moral and ethical principles by which he holds himself accountable for his actions. It was noteworthy that the economist politician did not consider his choice to serve in the Abacha administration as an egregious mistake. He was called for national service in the field of his competence and he responded positively as a patriotic citizen. For that he has no apologies to offer to anyone. His admirers at this reception, particularly those from the Southwest, may not have been pleased by his stance on this matter. I was impressed by the palpable enthusiasm and candor that underlay Professor Aluko’s freewheeling discourse on issues that pervaded all aspects of the Nigerian society with barely any prompting.

Dr. Aluko is first and foremost a nationalist who strongly believes that, with patience, tolerance and willingness to understand the truth about the Nigerian polity, almost all problems facing the nation today can be sorted out amicably. He considers the diversity of our multicultural society as an asset that ought to be exploited for the betterment of all rather than as a liability that should mesmerize and paralyze us. His engagement in politics appeared to be guided by moral and ethical principles by which he holds himself accountable for his actions. It was noteworthy that the economist politician did not consider his choice to serve in the Abacha administration as an egregious mistake. He was called for national service in the field of his competence and he responded positively as a patriotic citizen. For that he has no apologies to offer to anyone. His admirers at this reception, particularly those from the Southwest, may not have been pleased by his stance on this matter. I was impressed by the palpable enthusiasm and candor that underlay Professor Aluko’s freewheeling discourse on issues that pervaded all aspects of the Nigerian society with barely any prompting.

Hiss

http://sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2011/dec/03/national-03-12-2011-01.html
To those who talk thrash!
The late professor was more than an economist. He was a sage, friend, father, teacher and nationalist.
He was loyal first to humanity and then to his friends.
Many in this forum would be remembered more for the bitterness they spew than what they have given to the world.
May his gentle soul rest in peace, Amen!