The Management Team of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye has extolled the virtues of late Professor Adewale Areola Olaitan, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University, describing him as a distinguished academic and astute administrator who played his part in the growth and development of the institution.
The late Prof. Olaitan passed away on Monday, 24th March, 2025 at the age of 60 after a prolonged illness. He was Vice-Chancellor of the University between May, 2010 and July, 2013.
Speaking on Monday, 31st March, 2025 when he led the University Management Team on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, said the demise of the renowned scholar and political scientist was a profound loss not only to his family but also to the entire University Community and the nation at large. He added that it was regrettable that the former Vice-Chancellor died at a time the University Governing Council had resolved to pay all his outstanding entitlements.
He acknowledged Prof. Olaitan’s dedication to academic excellence, leadership and service to humanity, emphasising that the University will not forget his contributions. He noted that successive administrations built on the foundations he laid during his tenure.
The Vice-Chancellor said, “We had a Council meeting on Wednesday and, unfortunately, he passed on on Monday, which was very devastating. Despite that, Council still went ahead and made pronouncement that all his entitlements should be paid.”
“I always said that he had good intention for the University. I read the blueprint and what he wanted to do for the University and it’s one of the best that we can talk about. The approach might be different but you can’t take it away from him that he loved OOU.”
“Only God knows how tomorrow will be from the beginning. He (Prof. Olaitan) has done his best. He has played his part in the development of the University and nobody can erase that,” Prof. Agboola submitted.
On behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Staff and Students of the University, the Vice-Chancellor commiserated with the family of the late Prof. Olaitan and prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest. He subsequently presented the Univrsity condolence letter which was received by the Head of the Olaitan family, Mr. Kemi Olaitan.
On the Vice-Chancellor’s entourage were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Oladipo Olubomehin; Registrar, Dr. Bayo Orukotan; Bursar, Mr. Olufemi Sowunmi; Deputy Registrar, Corporate Affairs Division, Mr. Niyi Oduwole; and Deputy Bursar, Treasury Department, Mr. Abayomi Otukoya.
Responding, the Family Head, who was accompanied by another member of the family, Mr. Niyi Olaitan, expressed gratitude to the University Management for the thoughtful condolence visit, describing it as a testament to the strong bond the deceased had with the University Community.
It will be recalled that Prof. Olaitan joined the services of the University in October, 1987 as a Graduate Assistant and progressed in his academic career to become a Professor of Political Science in July, 2006. During his illustrious career, the late Prof. Olaitan served in different notable capacities, including being the Head, Political Science Department, 2000 – 2004; Acting Dean and Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, 2005 – 2009; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, June 2009 – April 2010 and Vice-Chancellor, May, 2010 – July, 2013.
As a distinguished academic, he played a pivotal role in shaping the University’s Department of Political Science and inspiring generations of students as well as staff. He also had the honour of being the first alumnus of the University to become its Vice-Chancellor.
