Former Vice-chancellor, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos state, Nigeria, Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe, has died.
Prof. Ibidapo-Obe died of COVID-19 complications on Sunday, January 3. He was 71 years old.
Born on July 5, 1949, the former University don was a one-time President of the Nigeria Academy of Science. He 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 (Ph.D) in Civil Engineering with specialization in Applied Mechanics/Systems in 1976 both from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNILAG branch, Dr. Dele Ashiru, confirmed the former VC’s death.
The ASUU-UNILAG chairman described Ibidapo-Obe as a quintessential academic, saying that he will greatly be missed in the education sector.
“Yes, he is dead. We got the sad news this evening. He is a distinguished scholar, a seasoned university administrator whose death remains a very big loss to the Nigerian university system and indeed the Nigerian society,” he added.
He is survived by his wife, Olusola and four children.
May his soul rest in peace, Amen.