SOKOTO — The Department of English and Literary Studies at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), has announced the death of its former Head of Department, Prof. Abubakar Atiku Alkali. He died on Saturday in an Abuja hospital after a brief illness, according to a statement signed on behalf of the department by Dr M. A. Sajo. His funeral prayer was held the same day at Gesse Phase II Jumu'at Mosque, Birnin Kebbi. Several professors and lecturers of the university attended. Colleagues described the late professor as a dedicated teacher, a prolific scholar and a capable administrator who served the department and the university with distinction.