The academic community of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Professor Jimoh Olanipekun Famakinwa of the Department of Philosophy.
According to a statement released by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, Professor Famakinwa fell ill during a departmental meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. His colleagues noticed that he was breathing abnormally and immediately rushed him to the University Health and Medical Centre.
Following an initial medical examination, he was referred to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), where he was pronounced brought in dead (BID).
The Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of the esteemed scholar.
Leading a condolence visit to the deceased’s family, he described the incident as a painful and unexpected tragedy.
His words, “It is shocking and heartbreaking that such a brilliant scholar could die so suddenly in the line of duty,” the Vice-Chancellor said. He urged the family to take solace in the impact Professor Famakinwa had on his students, colleagues, and the university community. As Christians, we must remember that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away as He pleases,” he added, while praying for strength for the bereaved family, the Department of Philosophy, the Faculty of Arts, and the entire university.”
Meanwhile, the remains of Professor Famakinwa have been deposited at the university’s Department of Anatomy.
His passing has left a deep void in the academic community, with tributes pouring in from students and colleagues who described him as a dedicated scholar and mentor.
