The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has announced the passing of one of its former vice-chancellors, Professor Wale Omole. The distinguished academic died on Wednesday evening, according to a statement released by the university.
In the release, the university described his demise as a painful loss to the Great Ife community, the Nigerian university system, and the larger academic community, citing his immense contributions to scholarship, university administration, and the advancement of higher education in the country.
Professor Omole, an accomplished scholar and a distinguished university administrator, served as vice-chancellor of OAU from 1991 to 1999. His tenure, the university noted, represented a significant chapter in its continuing pursuit of academic excellence, institutional development, and the preservation of its reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost centres of higher learning.
‘His association with Obafemi Awolowo University occupies an important place in the institution’s history,’ the statement read. ‘As a former vice-chancellor, Professor Omole was part of the distinguished succession of leaders whose contributions have helped shape the identity, traditions, and aspirations of Great Ife.’
The vice-chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, 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 departed academic, his friends, and associates.
Professor Bamire noted that although Professor Omole’s earthly journey has come to an end, his contributions to the university and the broader academic community will remain part of the institution’s enduring history.
He prayed that Almighty God would grant the family the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant the departed academic eternal rest.
‘Professor Wale Omole may have taken his final bow, but his place in the history of Great Ife remains indelible,’ the vice-chancellor stated.
The passing of the former vice-chancellor provides an opportunity to reflect on the enormous responsibilities undertaken by those entrusted with the leadership of universities and the enduring footprints they leave behind.
Professor Omole is remembered as a leader whose service helped shape the identity and aspirations of one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions.