Jamiu Oyawoye , Renowned Geologist, Dies At 95…He Attained Professorship In 1966… Kwara Gov Calls Him ‘One Of The Greatest Nigerians Of All Time’
Professor Jamiu Oyawoye , an internationally renowned academic, is dead.
Oyawoye, who was born on August 12, 1927 in Offa, Kwara state , attended Offa Grammar School, Ibadan Grammar School, Washington State University, Pullman, University of Durham, England, and he became a Professor of Geology at the University of Ibadan in 1966.
The nonagenarian, who was until his death on Monday , the Aremo of Offa, had at different times served as Chairman, West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Guaranty Trust Bank among others.
He has also gotten recognized by many as the first person to teach Geology at the university level in Africa, the first Professor of Geology in Africa, and the first indigene of Offa to become a professor.
A devout Muslim, Professor Jamiu Oyawoye was turbaned as Baba Adini of Kwara state by Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara state Council of Chiefs in April 2017.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state has described Oyawoye’s death as a huge national loss while calling him one of the greatest Nigerians of all time and a pride of the state.
The governor in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye described Oyawoye’s death as ‘end of a great era in academic accomplishments, dedication to community service, and statesmanship’.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, the Olofa-In-Council, the Muslim community in Kwara state for whom he was the Baba Adini, and the Oyawoyes on this sad development.
Prof. Oyawoye was in a class of his own in philanthropy, academic accomplishments, community service, leadership, and support for national development. He was one of the last men standing, and his death represents a huge void in everything he represented for Offa people, Kwara state, and Nigeria.
We find comfort in his fine legacies as the father of Geology in Africa, a powerful Crown Prince of Offa, and a statesman who wielded so much influence and deployed the same for public good.
We beseech Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-jannah Firdaus, and keep his family on the right path’ the statement said-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980. Thank you