By Enitan Abel Johngold Orheruata,mnipr
The University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of its 3rd Vice President, Professor O. J. Abolagba, a distinguished academic, administrator and committed alumnus whose service to education and alumni development earned him admiration across Nigeria and beyond.
Until his death, Prof. Abolagba was serving as the Worldwide 3rd Vice President of the association, a position to which he was elected after years of dedicated service and exemplary leadership within the UIAA. Before his emergence on the global executive council of the association, he had served meritoriously as Chairman of the Edo State Branch of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, where he was widely respected for his organisational ability, warmth of character and passion for uniting members.
Prof. Abolagba was also a former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), where he made remarkable contributions to academic development and university administration. At the time of his passing, he was still actively engaged in teaching and mentoring at the University of Benin, a role through which he continued to shape lives and inspire younger generations of scholars and students.
In a condolence message, the Worldwide Executive Council of UIAA, led by its President Worldwide, Dr. Terrumun Hembaor Gajir, expressed deep shock and profound sadness over the sudden demise of the revered professor, describing his death as a painful and monumental loss not only to the association, but also to the academic community and the nation at large.
The council noted that Prof. Abolagba was a bridge-builder, an embodiment of loyalty and service, and a man who brought joy and calm wherever he appeared. He was remembered by colleagues and associates as a jolly good fellow whose approachable nature, humility and cheerful disposition endeared him to many within and outside the alumni community.
According to the association, his contributions to the UIAA at both branch and worldwide levels were invaluable. As Chairman of the Edo State Branch, he strengthened the branch, mobilised members and promoted the ideals of the University of Ibadan through purposeful engagement. His election as Worldwide 3rd Vice President was seen by many as a recognition of his proven leadership capacity, integrity and unwavering commitment to the alumni body.
UIAA Worldwide said his death has created a huge vacuum in its leadership structure and in the hearts of members who had come to appreciate his wisdom, maturity and sense of duty. The association lamented that Prof. Abolagba died at a time when his experience and insight were still greatly needed in advancing the goals of the organisation and strengthening bonds among alumni across the world.
The Worldwide Executive Council extended its heartfelt sympathies to the Edo State Branch of the UIAA, which Prof. Abolagba once led with distinction, describing the branch as one of the immediate families most deeply affected by the loss. The council also commiserated with the management, staff and students of the University of Benin, where he lectured until his passing and where his legacy as an accomplished scholar and administrator remains enduring.
The association further conveyed its condolences to his family in Edo North, praying for strength and comfort for them in this difficult period. It also sympathised with the Government and people of Edo State over the passing of one of their illustrious sons, whose life was marked by service, scholarship and commitment to societal progress.
Prof. Abolagba’s death has been described as a major loss to the University of Ibadan alumni family, the University of Benin community and the broader Nigerian academic environment.
Beyond his titles and offices, many will remember him for his humanity, friendliness and ability to connect with people across generations.
As tributes continue to pour in, members of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association Worldwide have said they will cherish the memories of a man who gave his all to service, scholarship and the upliftment of others.
Though his sudden passing has left many in shock, they say his impact will remain indelible in the story of the association and in the lives of all who knew him.