By David Ogunlade
The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun, Nigeria has on Tuesday, 9th of January, 2023 announced the departure of Professor Christopher
Olugbenga Ajila, the immediate-past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) who
died as a result of a protracted illness.
A press release made available earlier this morning on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the university confirmed the incident.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, on behalf
of the management, Senate, staff, and
students, announced the passing of the
immediate-past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration).
Bamire, through the press release, said “ This news,
no doubt, has cast a pall of sadness over the University community, and
management wishes to extend its deepest condolences to the family of the late
erstwhile two-term DVC (Admin) during this difficult time.
Professor Chris Ajila, as he was fondly called, served the
University with unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership during his
tenure as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor.”
It was said that Prof. Ajila played a pivotal role in advancing
the university's mission, and his contributions have left an indelible mark on
the academic and administrative landscape of Obafemi Awolowo University,
Ile-Ife.
The late Professor Ajila was said to have begun his academic
career at the University in 1991 as an Assistant Lecturer and rose through the
ranks to become a professor in 2005.
He has also served the University in various capacities such as
Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences (2015-2017); Head of Department and Chief
Examiner; Examination Officer; Staff Adviser; Representative of the Dean on
various Boards; Faculty Representative in the Senate; Chairman, Faculty Postgraduate
Committee; Chairman, Central University Examination Malpractices and
Disciplinary Committee, among others.
On behalf of the University Community, the Vice Chancellor
offers deepest sympathies and support to the late Professor Chris Ajila’s
family.
“May the memories of Professor Ajila serve as a source of
comfort and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. In
honouring his legacy, we will continue to uphold the values and principles that
he championed.” He said.
