Activities at the University of Lagos (Unilag) were at a standstill on Saturday following news of the death of the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adetokunbo Sofoluwe.
A cross-section of the academic staff who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) described Sofoluwe’s death as an irreparable loss and a colossal tragedy to the academic world.
Sofoluwe, 62, had died at about 2 am on Saturday at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba.
A condolence register has since been opened both at his official residence and the ground floor of the Senate building of the institution.
Dr Karo Ogbenaka, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASSU), Unilag branch, described the death of the vice chancellor as “shocking and sad”.
"We got the news of the sudden death of the vice chancellor this morning.
``l cannot say much now because the union is about now holding an emergency meeting and we will soon make an official announcement," Ogbenaka said.
Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, Head, Mass Communication Department, Unilag, said the death was a big tragedy not only to institution but the entire academic world.
"We have lost a great man who lived all his life by example. We will miss a gentle, harmless and prolific leader who tried to transform Unilag, especially in the area of Information Communication Technology,” he said.
The Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, in his reaction, described the late Sofoluwe as an excellent administrator who did his best for his community.
“How do I begin to describe such a man, a man with a heart of gold? An academia of international repute and an excellent administrator.
“Here was a man who had time for everybody, no matter how busy he was.
``I must say that in all my years in this institution, I have hardly seen anyone who would always wear smiles on his face and would always be ready to assist,” Oyewo said.
He noted that the late vice-chancellor created an environment of peace.
“I am particularly thrilled that, even when at meetings with him, he would ensure that everyone was given time to say something.
``This to a large extent has created an atmosphere of peace and resulted in the steady academic calendar we now enjoy.
“The harmony he had created between the staff, students and the various labour unions in the community is unparallel. We have lost a gem and I am personally devastated,” Oyewo said.
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