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 on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, during a departmental meeting when colleagues noticed that the professor was breathing abnormally.
Concerned about his condition, he was immediately rushed to the university’s Health and Medical Centre for urgent attention.
In a statement released by the university’s Public Relations Officer, 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. However, upon arrival, he was pronounced Brought In Dead (B.I.D.).
The news of his sudden death has left the university community in shock, with students and staff struggling to come to terms with the loss of the esteemed academic.
Vice-Chancellor Leads Condolence Visit
Reacting to the development, OAU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, led members of the university’s management team on a condolence visit to the family of the late professor.
Expressing his grief, Professor Bamire described Famakinwa’s passing as a great loss to the university, his department, and the academic community.
“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, encouraging them to find comfort in faith.
“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.
Remains Deposited at Anatomy Department
Meanwhile, the remains of Professor Famakinwa have been deposited at the university’s Department of Anatomy for necessary procedures.
The university management has assured that details regarding his burial arrangements will be communicated in due course.
