Okebukola mourns Ibidapo-Obe, says death’s a great loss

A former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Peter Okebukola, has described the  death of former vice chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe, as a great loss.

In a statement on Monday morning, Okebukola described Ibidapo-Obe as a friend of 21 years, adding that “Nigeria has lost a university administrator of special ilk and a scholar of immense lustre.”

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The statement read: “The death of Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe  is one of shock of epic proportion to me. Even now, I am unable to process the news that came filtering in from late afternoon of January 3. Can my friend of about 21 years go just like that?

“Our close interaction started while he was vice-chancellor, University of Lagos and I was executive secretary, NUC. His impressive leadership qualities and eminence of scholarship attracted him to me and along with Professor Nimi Briggs who was vice-chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, we formed a trio that has remained unbroken until the cold hands of death snatched Oye.

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“Like twins, Oye and I offered service in several national and African regional academic engagements and I found him a clear-headed partner and deep thinker who offered solutions to knotty problems that will overwhelm most.

“We were together on December 9, 2020 at the convocation ceremony of Crawford University where he served as Chairman of Council and I as Chairman, Board of Trustees. Bubbling with energy and full of life, we had drawn up plans for 2021 but God had other plans of taking him home.

“Nigeria has lost a university administrator of special ilk and a scholar of immense lustre. I lost a friend and brother. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

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The former UNILAG  VC  was confirmed to have died  of COVID-19 complications on Sunday by the chairman of UNILAG branch of ASUU,  Mr Dele Ashiru.

Ashiru said the late professor had been receiving treatment at an undisclosed Lagos hospital for about 10 days before he was pronounced dead on Sunday evening.

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 statement by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council of First Technical University, Olayinka Balogun.
The statement read, “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.”