Longest serving UI VC, Ayo Banjo is dead

A former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Ayo Banjo, is dead.

Newspot reports that the former VC died in the early hours of Friday at the age of 90.

Professor Banjo served as Vice Chancellor of the university from 1984 to 1991, making him the longest serving Vice Chancellor since the university’s establishment in 1948.

A former Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Idowu Olayinka, confirmed the demise of Professor Banjo in a statement made available to Newspot on Friday.

Olayinka described the death of the former VC as a sad event, marking the end of a glorious era.

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“I have just learned of the transition of Professor Emeritus Ladipo Ayo Banjo, the longest serving Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (1984 to 1991),” Olayinka said.

“This is very sad news, even at a ripe old age of 90 years. The end of a most glorious era. Rest in perfect peace, Baba. You will be sorely missed by all of us who knew you.”

“Heartfelt condolences to his entire family and to all of us his mentees and academic children. We valued your wise counsel at all times. You were highly approachable.

“An icon. An eminent citizen of the world. The gift of UI to humanity. It hurts very deeply to start referring to you in the past tense. Nonetheless, we thank God for your life of selfless service and worthwhile legacies. Good night, Sir.”