Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, a former vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos, is dead. Mr Ibidapo-Obe was, until his death, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council of First Technical University, Ibadan.
His death was confirmed in a Sunday statement by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council of First Technical University, Olayinka Balogun.
“With heavy heart, and submission to the will of God I write to inform Council members of the transition to glory of Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, First Technical University, Ibadan which occurred today 03/01/2021.
“I pray for the repose of the soul of the departed.”
Although the statement did not disclose the cause of the death of the academic, officials at Unilag told PREMIUM TIMES he died from COVID-19 complications.
Both the Unilag vice-chancellor and the chairman of the Academic Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) on the campus, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe and Dele Ashiru respectively, confirmed the death to PREMIUM TIMES in separate telephone interviews.
According to Mr Ashiru, the late professor had been receiving treatment at an undisclosed Lagos hospital for about 10 days before he was pronounced dead on Sunday evening.
“Yes, Prof Ibidapo-Obe is dead. He died today from COVID-19-related complications. The late professor’s family has properly briefed us,” Mr Ashiru said in a phone interview.
Speaking on the development, Mr Ogundipe said he was shocked.
“I’m still in shock. He was very important to us. I just don’t know what to say,” he said.
Mr Ibidapo-Obe, 69, was a professor of Applied Mechanics and Systems Engineering, He was the Unilag vice-chancellor between 2000 and 2007. He was born in Ile-Ife, Osun State, and attended Ilesha Grammar School and Igbobi College between 1962 and 1971.
Meanwhile, the President, who mourned the death of the renowned scholar in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, commiserated with the family and associates of the late academic.
“President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with the academia over the passing of former Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of First Technical University, Ibadan, Prof Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, condoling with family members and friends.
“The President affirms that the scholar and administrator will be sorely missed by the academia, government and the country as his sudden transition left a gap that will be difficult to fill, considering his 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 condoles 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.
“The President prays for the repose of the soul of the scholar, and God’s comfort for his family,” the statement said.
