One of Tonga's most prominent education figures, Futa Helu, has died, aged 75.
Dr Helu, emeritus professor of the Atenisi Institute for Critical Education in the South Pacific, died at the Vaiola Hospital in Tonga on Tuesday.
Dr Helu contribution to education in Tonga, over a number of decades, was significant and his influence on Tongan society immense, Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs chief executive Colin Tukuitonga said.
"He was highly respected in Tongan society for his work in developing the Atenisi institute from a night school, to a high school and eventually a university, which now confers postgraduate degrees at masters' and doctorate levels, in collaboration with universities in Australia and New Zealand."
In June 2008 Dr Helu was inducted as one of six fellows of the Atenisi University.
"His wisdom and contribution to philosophical and ethical discussion in Tonga was vital because he chose to stay independent of the government," Dr Tukuitonga said.
"He was truly one of the great academic giants of the South Pacific and our condolences go out to his children and grandchildren."
