The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Professor Jimoh Olanipekun Famakinwa, a respected scholar in the Department of Philosophy.
The tragic incident occurred during a departmental meeting on Wednesday, 5th March 2025, when the late professor was noticed breathing abnormally by his colleagues.
Concerned about his condition, he was immediately rushed to the University Health and Medical Centre for urgent medical attention.
According to a statement released by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, the medical team at the health centre promptly examined him and, upon assessing his condition, referred him to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife. Sadly, upon arrival, he was pronounced Brought In Dead (B.I.D.).
The shocking news has left the university community in deep sorrow, with many students and staff struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of the esteemed academic.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Professor Simeon Bamire, led other members of his management team on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased.
Expressing his shock and disbelief, Professor Bamire described the late Professor Famakinwa as a brilliant scholar whose sudden passing is a huge loss to the university, his department, and the academic world.
“It is difficult to comprehend how someone so full of life and dedication to his work could depart so suddenly. However, we take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life, making a positive impact on those around him,” he said.
He urged the bereaved family to remain strong, emphasising that as Christians, they should take comfort in the divine will of God.
“The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. May He grant the family, the Department of Philosophy, the Faculty of Arts, and the entire university community the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the Vice-Chancellor prayed.
