Professor Shekarau Yakubu Aku was born on March 28, 1941. He attended Boys Secondary School, Gundiri from where he proceeded first to the Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, Zaria, and later Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he obtained B.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1965. From there, he left for postgraduate studies that took him to the University of Manchester for a Masters degree in 1967 and a Ph. D. degree from University of Denver, in 1973.

He returned to Nigeria to join the Ahmadu Bello University and rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Mechanical Engineering in 1980. In 1992, he was appointed to the Shell endowed Chair of Mechanical Engineering in the University.

Prof. Aku has served in several academic and professional capacities. He was at various times Dean of Engineering, ABU, University of Jos, Makurdi Campus (now University of Makurdi), member of Arts Council, member of the Council of COREN, member of Council of the Ahmadu Bello University, Chairman, Plateau State Polytechnic, etc. He is currently Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of Ahmadu Bello University and Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Nigerian Journal of Engineering. Prof. Aku is a member of Council and Foundation Fellow of the Academy.