Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs Chief Executive Dr Colin Tukuitonga today paid tribute to Tongan emeritus Professor Dr Futa Helu of the Atanesi Institute for Critical Education in the South Pacific.

Professor Helu died on Tuesday (2 February 2010) at the Vaiola Hospital in Tonga, aged 75.

In June 2008 he was inducted as one of six fellows of the Atenisi University in Tonga.

Dr Tukuitonga said Professor Helu's contribution to education in Tonga, over a number of decades, was significant and his influence on Tongan society immense.

"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." Dr Tukuitonga said.

"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.

Born on 17 June 1934 Professor Helu studied at the Newington College in New South Wales and then attended Sydney University where he studied philosophy, English literature, mathematics and physics.

He was married to Kaloni Schaaf (deceased 2008) and had six children with her and numerous grandchildren.

"He was truly one of the great academic giants of the South Pacific and our condolences go out to his children and grandchildren," Dr Tukuitonga said.

Professor Helu's funeral will be held either on Saturday or next Tuesday at Telekava in Tonga.