By DAVID IORJA, Abuja –
President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the academia over the passing of former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of First Technical University, Ibadan, Prof Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, condoling with family members and friends.
In a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser (Media & Publicity), Femi Adesina, the President affirmed that the scholar and administrator would be sorely missed by the academia, government and the country as his sudden transition left a gap that will be difficult to fill.
This, according to Presiddnt Buhari, was in view of Ibidapo-Obe’s contribution to the development of education, with a rich pedigree of being President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Chairman of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities and upwardly rising over the years with distinguished career.
President Buhari condoled with students and staff of the University of Lagos, First Technical University and the Nigeria Universities Commission over the loss, as well as the government and people of Osun State.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the scholar, and God’s comfort for his family.
The former university don reportedly died on January 3, 2021 as a result of complications from coronavirus (COVID-19).
Prof. Ibidapo-Obe, who would have clocked 72 on July 5, 2021, was former President of the Nigeria Academy of Science, attended both Ilesa Grammar School and Igbobi College from 1962 – 1968 and the University of Lagos from 1968 – 1971.
He was awarded a Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.(Hons)] degree in Mathematics in the First Class Division by the University of Lagos, Nigeria in 1971; a Master of Mathematics [M. Maths] degree in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science in 1973 and a Doctor of Philosophy {PhD} in Civil Engineering with specialization in Applied Mechanics/Systems in 1976 both form the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
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