Former UNILAG VC, Ibidapo-Obe, dies of COVID-19

Former Vice-chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, has died at the age of 71.

He reportedly died from COVID-19 complications on Sunday, January 3, 2021.

Ibidapo-Obe was until his death the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council of First Technical University, Ibadan.

A statement on Sunday by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council of First Technical University, Olayinka Balogun, confirmed his demise.

It stated, “With heavy heart, and submission to the will of God I write to inform Council members of the transition to glory of Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, First Technical University, Ibadan which occurred today 03/01/2021.

“I pray for the repose of the soul of the departed.”

Both the Unilag vice-chancellor and the c

Chairman of the Academic Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU), Dele Ashiru, who also confirmed the death of Ibidapo-Obe, said the late professor had been receiving treatment at an undisclosed Lagos hospital for about 10 days before he passed on Sunday evening.

“Yes, Prof Ibidapo-Obe is dead. He died today from COVID-19-related complications. The late professor’s family has properly briefed us,” he said.

Reacting to the news, UNILAG vice-chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe said he was shocked.

“I’m still in shock. He was very important to us. I just don’t know what to say,” he said.

Ibidapo-Obe, a professor of Applied Mechanics and Systems Engineering, was UNILAG vice-chancellor between 2000 and 2007.

Born in Ile-Ife, Osun State, he attended Ilesha Grammar School and Igbobi College between 1962 and 1971 and studied at UNILAG from 1968 to 1971.

Ibidapo-Obe was awarded a Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.(Hons)] degree in Mathematics in the First Class Division by UNILAG in 1971; a Master of Mathematics [M. Maths] degree in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science in 1973 and a Doctor of Philosophy {PhD} in Civil Engineering with specialization in Applied Mechanics/Systems in 1976, both from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

He was appointed as UNILAG VC in 2000 and remained in office until 2007.