The University of Ibadan (UI) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned African linguist and Foundation President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose, who died on Saturday at the age of 94.

In a statement, the university described Bamgbose as one of Africa’s foremost language scholars whose contributions to linguistics, higher education and intellectual development left an enduring legacy in Nigeria and beyond.

The late academic served the University of Ibadan with distinction and was Dean of the Faculty of Arts between 1971 and 1973. Throughout his illustrious career, he made significant contributions to the growth of linguistics, particularly the study and promotion of indigenous African languages.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode  Adebowale, on behalf of the university community, commiserated with the family of the deceased, his friends, colleagues and the wider intellectual community.

Adebowale described Bamgbose as an accomplished scholar, teacher and administrator whose lifelong dedication to scholarship and academic excellence inspired generations of students and researchers.

He noted that the late professor’s remarkable contributions to the University of Ibadan and the nation’s intellectual development would remain a source of pride and inspiration.

The Vice-Chancellor prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.