The death of Al-Amin Yusuf Yakassai, a final year Accounting major, on Saturday evening threw the entire community into shock and deep mourning. The active athlete and football player collapsed off-campus while playing the game he loved so much at a local pitch in Yola. The late student has been laid to rest in his home state, Kano.
The University Management issued a statement on Sunday, November 13, 2022, condoling his immediate family and close associates. "We pray that he be granted an eternal and peaceful rest", the statement read.
The Student Government Association (SGA) also sent out a message mourning the passage of one of their colleague.
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of one of our very own, Alamin Nura Yakasai. A friend to many and acquaintance to some, the presence of Al-amin on campus will be missed beyond measure.
"We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones, and pray that God grants them comfort in this time. We pray that the soul of the deceased rests in perfect peace as he remains alive in our hearts".
The Muslim Students Society (MSS) hosted a prayer session on Sunday evening at the 24-hour library for students to pay their respects.
Head Coach of the AUN Stallions Football Club, Mr. Sadiq Yahaya Ado, also extended his sincere and deepest condolences to the family of the late Al-Amin whose death he described as a very sad and painful loss.
Al-Amin Yusuf was an active member of the AUN football team before his tragic passing and was regarded as one of the team's most valued players whose talent and skills greatly contributed to the success of the team.
"Yusuf was like a family member to me and the entire football team and we are all devastated by the news of his passing. We can only imagine the pain his immediate family feels over the loss of their beloved son. I pray that you find solace in knowing that he lived well during his time with us.
"The team has lost a wonderful athlete and the AUN academic community, a shining example of a diligent student.
"We nicknamed him Luis Suarez, after the famous Uruguayan international striker because of his excellent goal-scoring talents. Yusuf was not only a gifted and vibrant football player but was also a disciplined and humble young man who was very committed to his studies as he was to football. He was only absent from the field when he had an academic engagement."
Reported by Tina Bitrus