‘The world will miss your academic inspiration’ — UI mourns Akinkugbe, Nigeria’s first professor of medicine

The management of the University of Ibadan (UI) has mourned Oladipo Akinkugbe, Nigeria’s first professor of medicine, who passed away at 86.

Akinkugbe breathed his last on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, after battling a brief illness.

NAN reports that Idowu Olayinka, vice-chancellor of the institution, in a condolence message on Tuesday, described the deceased as a great Nigerian with passion for his country.

In the statement issued by Tunji Oladejo, UI’s director of communications, the VC said the late professor would be remembered for his contributions to humanity.

“It is with deep sense of loss but with gratitude to God for a life well spent in selfless service to humanity that we, at the University of Ibadan, received the news of the death of late emeritus professor Oladipo Olujimi Akinkugbe today, June 15, 2020,” he said.

“May I, therefore on behalf of Council, Senate, Congregation, Management, staff and students of the university commiserate with the Akinkugbe family on the death of their illustrious son, uncle, father and elder statesman.”

He said the death of Akinkugbe would most certainly create gaps, stressing that he only recently bequeathed his entire library to the varsity.

“Really, the death of Baba Akinkugbe is not only a loss to his family but the entire academic world who will miss his rich academic and administrative inspiration,” the VC added.

He said that in observing the rite of passage for the late professor, “we take solace in the fact that he left behind great legacies which will keep his memory eternally.”

“It is therefore our prayer that the Good Lord will grant his soul perfect rest,” he added.