The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, has announced the sudden passing of Professor Olanipekun Famakinwa from the Department of Philosophy.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, Famakinwa fell ill during a departmental meeting. Concerned colleagues noticed he was struggling to breathe and promptly rushed him to the university’s Health and Medical Centre.
Upon arrival, doctors on duty conducted an initial assessment and referred him to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) for further treatment. However, he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Following the tragic incident, OAU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, led members of the university management on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased. Expressing shock and sorrow over the loss, the VC described Famakinwa as a brilliant scholar who made a significant impact on the academic community.
“The entire university has been thrown into mourning by this sudden loss,” the statement read. “Professor Jimoh Olanipekun Famakinwa was noticed to be breathing abnormally during a departmental meeting and was immediately taken to the Health and Medical Centre. Despite swift medical intervention, he was later pronounced dead at OAUTHC.”
The university confirmed that his remains have been deposited at the Department of Anatomy.
During the condolence visit, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged the bereaved family to take solace in the professor’s life of academic excellence and positive influence. He also extended his sympathies to the Department of Philosophy, the Faculty of Arts, and the entire OAU community, praying for strength to bear the loss.
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