The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has expressed grief over the death of its former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wale Omole, who died on Wednesday evening.
Gatekeepers News reports that the university described his passing as a significant loss to the Great Ife community, Nigeria’s university system and the wider academic world, citing his contributions to scholarship, university administration and the development of higher education in the country.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the institution described Omole as an accomplished scholar and distinguished administrator whose contributions remain an important part of its history.
Omole served as OAU Vice-Chancellor between 1991 and 1999, a period the university said represented an important chapter in its pursuit of academic excellence, institutional growth and the preservation of its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading centres of higher learning.
The institution noted that his death provided an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities of university leadership and the lasting contributions of individuals who had shaped its development.
It added that Omole belonged to a distinguished succession of university leaders whose achievements helped define the identity, traditions and aspirations of the Great Ife community.
The incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, conveyed the university’s condolences on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff, students, alumni and the entire university community.
Bamire extended the institution’s sympathy to the deceased’s immediate family, friends, associates and other mourners.
He said that although Omole’s earthly journey had ended, his contributions to OAU and the wider academic community would remain part of the university’s enduring history.
The Vice-Chancellor also prayed for God to grant the bereaved family the strength to endure the loss and give the late professor eternal rest.
“Professor Wale Omole may have taken his final bow, but his place in the history of Great Ife remains indelible,” the statement said.
