Guardian Nigeria
As the world mourns the passing of the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Emeritus Professor Ladipo Ayodeji Banjo, he has been described as an indisputably man of integrity.
An Emeritus Professor of Education History in the Department of Adult Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Michael Omolewa, described Banjo with those words while penning a tribute to honour the departed.
Omolewa said: “Indisputably a man of integrity and wisdom, Emeritus Professor Banjo remained blessed and a blessing to everyone who crossed his path. He quietly and silently stood up, with unabated courage, to those who refused to be decent, and respectful to values.
“Moderation, sensitivity, and modesty were an integral part of his nature and life. He delighted in bringing joy, Ayo, to all, to the very end. We pray for the family that he left behind for consolation and strength to accept the transition and praise the name of the Lord for a life that brought joy to humanity.
“He has left for us all a legacy in humility, dedication and integrity that is commendable. He lived his entire adult life in higher education related situation and environment, having served as Professor and Head of Department of English, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, unique two-term Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, University of Ilorin, Ajayi Crowther University and Chairman of the National Universities Commission (NUC) the apex regulating body of universities.”
Omolewa noted that his birth in 1934 was preceded by double blessings, as his father, having been the third Nigerian to be awarded the degree of the Bachelor of Arts, as an external candidate by the University of London in 1930, at his base at St Andrew’s College, Oyo, was almost simultaneously blessed with a son.
“The first name of the celebrant, Ladipo, was an acknowledgement of the continuing blessings poured on his family and his middle name Ayodeji, simply announced the double blessings brought to the family by his birth. Providence sent him to Igbobi College, home of Vice-Chancellors, including the celebrated Horatio Oritshejolomi Thomas of the University of Ibadan and J F Ade Ajayi of the University of Lagos; and he later found himself as Lecturer at the first Faculty founded at the University College, Ibadan, the Faculty of Arts.
“His twin books, Morning by Morning, and In the Saddle, which NiyiOsundare describes as “two exceptionally crafted and evocative autobiographies, ” are worth reading for details of his journey of life. He walked his talk throughout his life and he could be trusted for fairness and equity.”
