Professor Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, the Ex Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, has died at the age of 71.
This much was disclosed to journalists by The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, UNILAG branch, Dr Dele Ashiru.
Reports indicate that Ibidapo-Obe passed away on Sunday, in Lagos.
Other reports indicate that he died of the COVID-19 virus, though those reports remain unsubstantiated.
While breaking the news of the demise, The ASUU-UNILAG chairman noted that Ibidapo-Obe’s loss is a big blow to the citadel.
“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,” Dele Ashiru announced.
Ibidapo-Obe attended the University of Lagos, between 1968 – 1971, where he bagged a Bachelor of Science [B. Sc (Hons)] degree in Mathematics 1st Class Honours Division.
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He was a distinguished Professor of Systems Engineering who also served as Pro-Chancellor of the Technical University, Ibadan.
To add to that resume, he was the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science from 2009 to 2013.
His consulting services included Human Resource Development to the United Nations, UNDP, UNESCO, ILO and the World Bank.
Ibidapo-Obe, in 2004, was bestowed the prestigious Fellowship of the Academy of Science and Academy of Engineering, Nigerian Computer Society and Mathematical Association of Nigeria.
Alongside that merit, he was invested the Fellow of the African Academy of Science.
The Professor held the prestigious traditional title of the Apeluwa of Ile-Ife.
The Nigerian Government, in recognition of the ex UNILAG VC, conferred on him the national honour of the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2004.
Before his transition, Ibidapo-Obe was married to wife, Olusola Ibidapo-Obe.
Together they had children and grandchildren who are immersed in various disciplines.