Senator Sharafadeen Alli has described the death of Professor Ayo Banjo, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), as huge loss to Nigeria and the academic community.
Banjo, an emeritus professor of English Language, died on Friday, some few weeks after celebrating his 90th birthday anniversary.
Senator Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, expressed sorrow at the passage of the academic icon in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas.
The federal lawmaker Senator Alli acknowledged the significant contributions of the late Professor Banjo, who also served as Pro-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowder University, Oyo, to academia and the nation.
He said the tenure of the late Banjo as the Vice-Chancellor of UI was marked by remarkable leadership and dedication to educational excellence.
He said the deceased, who was the Vice-Chancellor of UI during his time as a student, later became his good neighbour always offering useful advices to the residents, most especially the younger ones.
Alli described the late Professor Banjo as a lover of youths who was always deeply interested in the development, progress and advancement of the upcoming generation.
The lawmaker described Banjo’s death as a great loss to the academic community and the nation, acknowledging his enduring legacy in fostering educational growth and nurturing young minds.
He commiserated with the nation’s academic community and the family, praying that God grant the soul of the departed Emeritus Professor of English Language eternal rest.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) federal lawmaker also prayed that Almighty God grant his family, the academic community and the nation fortitude to bear the huge loss.
