Crawford University mourns Pro-Chancellor, Ibidapo-Obe
The Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun, on Wednesday described the death of its third Pro-Chancellor and member of the Board of Trustess, Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe as a rude shock.
Ibidapo-Obe, a revered professor of Systems Engineering, was appointed Pro-Chancellor of the 15-year-old faith-based university owned by the Apostolic Faith Mission, West and Central Africa (WECA) on Aug. 23, 2018.
The Vice Chancellor, Crawford University, Prof Reuben Kolo, in a statement said the institution had been thrown into deep mourning with the news of the death of the 71-year old ebullient academic.
“Ibidapo-Obe served meritoriously as the Chairman of Council since his appointment into that exalted office about two years ago and was also a member of the university’s BoT.
“Prior to that appointment, Prof Ibidapo-Obe had been an illustrious member of council of the university since Sept.14, 2010,” Kolo said.
The vice chancellor described the late professor emeritus as a philanthropist and warm-hearted man who had contributed immensely to the growth of Crawford university.
“Ibidapo-Obe was a philanthropist of note, and will specially be remembered for his uncommon contributions to several projects in Crawford university, and in particular, the Staff Legacy Building.
“Also, his exemplary leadership acumen, humane and humble disposition, dedication to service and well-articulated contributions to issues on council and the board were not only outstanding but legendary.
“His wealth of experience, innate intelligence and unalloyed passion for the development of the university will ever be treasured.
“Even his remarkable address at the 12th Convocation Ceremony of the university held less than a month ago still reverberates,” he said.
Kolo prayed God to grant repose to his soul and “pour His balm to soothe the hearts of the bereaved family and the Crawford University community.”
Ibidapo-Obe who died on Jan. 3 was born on July 5, 1949 and graduated from the University of Lagos in 1971 with a 1st Class Honours degree in Mathematics.
He obtained a Master of Science degree in Applied Mathematics and a PhD in Applied Mechanics/Systems from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, in 1976.
He served as a two-term Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos and as Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Ndufu Alike-Ikwo, Ebonyi State.
Until his death, Ibidapo-Obe was the Pro-Chancellor & Chairman of Council of two other universities, aside Crawford University – First Technical University, Ibadan, and African University of Science & Technology, Abuja.
