OAU Mourns Former Vice-Chancellor, Wale Omole

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has expressed grief over the death of one of its former Vice-Chancellors, Professor Wale Omole.

The university disclosed that Omole died on Monday evening, describing his death as a significant loss to the institution, the Nigerian university system and the academic community.

In a condolence statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the institution paid tribute to the late academic for his contributions to scholarship, university administration and the development of higher education in Nigeria.

The university described Omole as an accomplished scholar and distinguished administrator whose leadership played an important role in shaping its history.

He served as Vice-Chancellor of the institution between 1991 and 1999, a period the university said formed a significant chapter in its pursuit of academic excellence, institutional development and the preservation of its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading centres of higher learning.

According to the statement, Omole belonged to the distinguished succession of university leaders whose contributions helped shape the institution’s identity, traditions and aspirations.

Reacting to his death, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, on behalf of the Governing Council, management, Senate, staff, students, alumni and the entire university community, extended condolences to the deceased’s immediate family, friends, associates and other sympathisers.

Bamire said although Omole’s earthly journey had ended, his contributions to the university and the wider academic community would remain part of its enduring history.

He also acknowledged the responsibilities undertaken by the late academic during his years of service, noting that his legacy would continue to be remembered by generations of members of the Great Ife community.

The Vice-Chancellor prayed to Almighty God to grant the bereaved family the strength to bear the loss and grant the deceased eternal rest.

“Professor Wale Omole may have taken his final bow, but his place in the history of Great Ife remains indelible. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Bamire said.