Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has mourned the death of one of its former Vice-Chancellors, Professor Wale Omole, describing his passing as a major loss to the university community and Nigeria’s academic system.
Omole died on Tuesday evening, according to the university authorities.
In a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, OAU described the late professor as an accomplished scholar and distinguished university administrator whose contributions left a lasting mark on the institution.
Omole served as Vice-Chancellor of OAU from 1991 to 1999, a period the university described as an important chapter in its pursuit of academic excellence, institutional development and the preservation of its standing as one of Nigeria’s leading universities.
According to the university, his death represents a painful loss not only to the Great Ife community but also to the Nigerian university system and the wider academic community.
“His passing provides an opportunity to reflect on the enormous responsibilities undertaken by those entrusted with the leadership of universities and the enduring footprints they leave behind,” the statement said.
OAU noted that Omole was part of the distinguished succession of university leaders whose contributions helped shape the institution’s identity, traditions and aspirations.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, expressed condolences on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff, students, alumni and the entire university community.
Bamire extended the university’s sympathies to Omole’s immediate family, friends, associates and others mourning his death.
He said although the former vice-chancellor’s earthly journey had ended, his contributions to OAU and the broader academic community would remain part of the university’s enduring history.
The vice-chancellor prayed for God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
Professor Omole also served as Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Guardian newspapers and was widely recognised for his contributions to scholarship and university administration.
OAU said his legacy would remain indelible in the history of the institution.
“Professor Wale Omole may have taken his final bow, but his place in the history of Great Ife remains indelible,” the university stated.
