 |
| Professor Emeritus Ladipo Ayo Banjo |
Professor Idowu Olayinka, another former Vice-Chancellor, confirmed the news, stating, "I have just been informed about the passing of Professor Emeritus Ladipo Ayo Banjo, who served as the longest-tenured Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan from 1984 to 1991.
The Saturday Vanguard reported his passing in the early hours of Friday, a mere three weeks following his 90th birthday celebration.
Professor Idowu Olayinka, another former Vice-Chancellor, confirmed the news, stating, "I have just been informed about the passing of Professor Emeritus Ladipo Ayo Banjo, who served as the longest-tenured Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan from 1984 to 1991.
"It's deeply saddening news, even considering his advanced age of 90 years. We mark the conclusion of an exceptionally distinguished era. May he rest in eternal peace, Baba. Your absence will be profoundly felt by all who had the privilege of knowing you."
"Deepest sympathies to his family and to all his mentees and academic progeny. Your sage advice was always cherished.
"Your accessibility, iconic status, and eminence as a global citizen were unparalleled. The University of Ibadan's gift to the world. It's profoundly painful to begin speaking of you in the past tense. Nevertheless, we are grateful to God for your life dedicated to altruistic service and meaningful legacies."
The 12th Vice-Chancellor of the Premier University was also an emeritus professor of English Language and served as the Pro-chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.
His educational journey began at St. Andrews Anglican Primary School and continued at Christ Cathedral Primary School in Lagos state. He was a student at Igbobi College in Lagos State, Nigeria, from 1947 to 1952. In 1966, he earned the American State Department scholarship for a Master of Arts (M.A) degree in linguistics at the University of California, Los Angeles, United States, and subsequently obtained a Doctorate degree (Ph.D) in 1969 from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His academic career commenced as a lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Ibadan.
