Osun mourns Prof. Ibidapo-Obe

The Osun State Government is grieving over the death of a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe.

The State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode, conveyed the pain of the state government over the loss of Ibidapo-Obe at 71, via a statement on Sunday night.

Egbemode said: “The Governor and Government of the State of Osun have received with sadness the news of the death of one of the nation’s finest academic juggernauts and one of the state’s high-flying sons, Professor Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe CFR. On behalf of the people of Osun, we offer our deepest condolences to the citizens, residents, friends, family and indeed our nation, Nigeria  on the passing of this icon and pride of our state.

“Considering that we just buried Professor Olufemi Odekunle, the death of Professor Ibidapo-Obe is one loss too many. We are in shock even as we submit to the fact that death is the ultimate end of all creatures. We take solace in this illustrious son’s indelible footprints in the sands of time . He lived well and touched lives everywhere he lived and worked.

“Professor Ibidapo-Obe, a distinguished professor of Systems Engineering, was a two-time Vice Chancellor, first of the prestigious University of Lagos and later of the Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI), Ebony State, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021.

“He served as the Chairman of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities and was awarded the Best Vice Chancellor’s Prize (2004 and 2005) for the Nigerian University System (NUS).

“He steadfastly steered the University of Lagos through interesting times.  With wisdom and foresight, he not only expanded academic programmes but was remarkable in the signing of agreements with foreign institutions to enhance staff development – among other legacies.

“The Osun government remembers and appreciates his impactful contribution as a committee member, to the review of the educational policies that were in force in the state prior to year 2020, which has now been realigned with national standards and global best practice.

“We honor his legacy and mourn his loss alongside his family, the good people of Ijeshaland and members of the academic community. We pray that God grants his family and everyone in his circle of influence the fortitude to bear this great loss.”