Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and other notable figures, on Tuesday, paid tribute to the late Professor Sanya Onabamiro, observing the 40th anniversary of his passing.

Obasanjo, at a commemorative event held at the University of Ibadan, lauded the university for naming the Administrative block of the Postgraduate College in Onabamiro’s honour, referring to him as an “icon” in the realm of education.

The former president stressed the necessity of acknowledging the contributions of prominent individuals, stating, “In our culture, we never forget our source.”

In his tribute, former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun recognised Onabamiro’s crucial influence on education policy in the Western region, emphasising his significant contributions to academic research, particularly regarding Guinea worm disease.

Earlier in his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, underscored Onabamiro’s revolutionary impact.

Responding to the tributes, one of the late professor’s children, Mrs. Enitan Onabamiro, shared her father’s legacy as a dedicated family man committed to excellence.

She also called for the revival of the Yoruba language policy.

The event concluded with a commitment to preserve Onabamiro’s legacy, ensuring that future generations remain aware of his contributions to education and policy in Nigeria.

In a lecture titled ” Professor Sanya Dojo Onabamiro as a Research Scientist,” the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Kola-Daisi University, Professor Olajumoke Morenikeji, described the late Professor Sanya Dojo Onabamiro as a visionary scholar who sailed beyond the walls of the academic community to alleviate the sufferings of humans through his research work.

According to her, Onabamiro conducted groundbreaking research on guinea worm, and his findings laid the foundation for public health interventions, which led to the eradication of guinea worm in Nigeria

In another lecture delivered by the Vice Chancellor, Trinity University, Professor Clement Kolawole, titled ” Professor Sanya Dojo Onabamiro As An Educationist,” said the late Onabamiro contributed in no small measure to the development of teacher education in Nigeria, describing him as an ” icon of education of the highest order.”