Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has announced the passing of one of its former Vice-Chancellors, Professor Wale Omole, describing his death as a significant loss to the university community and Nigeria’s academic sector.
The university, in a press statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, disclosed that Professor Omole died on Wednesday evening.
The institution expressed profound sadness over his demise, noting that his contributions to scholarship, university administration and the development of higher education in Nigeria earned him an important place in the history of the university.
Professor Omole served as Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University from 1991 to 1999, a period the institution described as a significant chapter in its institutional development and pursuit of academic excellence.
According to the statement, his tenure formed part of the university’s distinguished leadership history and contributed to shaping its identity, traditions and aspirations as one of Nigeria’s foremost centres of higher learning.
The university further noted that his passing provides an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities and enduring legacies of individuals entrusted with the leadership of higher institutions.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, speaking on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff, students, alumni and the entire university community, extended heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, his friends, associates and all those affected by his passing.
Professor Bamire acknowledged that although Professor Omole’s earthly journey had come to an end, his contributions to Obafemi Awolowo University and the wider academic community would remain an enduring part of the institution’s history.
He also prayed that Almighty God would grant the bereaved family the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant the departed academic eternal rest.
Professor Wale Omole’s passing marks the end of an era for a former university leader whose name remains etched in the history of Great Ife.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
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