The former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Emeritus Ladipo Ayo Banjo has died at the age of 90.
The former VC had passed away just three weeks after his 90th birthday on 2nd May.
Confirming his death, Professor Idowu Olayinka stated, “I have just learned of the transition of Professor Emeritus Ladipo Ayo Banjo, the longest serving Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (1984 to 1991).
“This is very sad news even at a ripe old age of 90 years. The end of a most glorious era. Rest in perfect peace, Baba. You will be sorely missed by all of us who knew you. “
“Heartfelt condolences to his entire family and to all of us his mentees and academic children. We valued your wise counsel at all times.
“You were highly approachable. An icon. An eminent citizen of the world. The gift of UI to humanity. It hurts very deeply to start referring to you in the past tense. Nonetheless, we thank God for your life of selfless service and worthwhile legacies.”
Born on 2 May 1934, Prof Banjo first attended St. Andrews Anglican primary school and Christ Cathedral primary school in Lagos state. He also attended Igbobi College in Lagos State, Nigeria between 1947 and 1952. In 1966, he won the American State Department scholarship award for a Master of Art (M.A) degree in linguistics at the University of California, Los Angeles, United States. He later obtained a Doctorate degree (Ph.D) in 1969 from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
He began his career as a lecturer at the department of English language, University of Ibadan in 1966. He was appointed associate professor in 1973 and became a full professor in 1975 at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
He served as visiting professor for one year at the University of West Indies at Cave Hill as well as visiting fellow at the University of Cambridge, England between 1993 and 1994.
He was appointed as the pro-chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt between 2000 and 2004. After his tenure he was appointed as pro-chancellor of the University of Ilorin for two years (2005-2007). He also served as the incumbent pro-chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University.
