The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has extended his condolences to the Government and people of Kwara State over the passing of former Governor, Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo.
Chief Adebayo, who governed the state briefly between October and December 1983, died in the early hours of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Abuja, following an illness associated with old age. He was 84.
In a statement released by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, Prof. Egbewole described Chief Adebayo’s death as marking the close of a distinguished chapter in Nigeria’s public service.
Reflecting on the late statesman’s contributions to national development—particularly in education—the Vice Chancellor noted that Chief Adebayo had served as a lecturer at the former University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), the then Kwara State College of Technology (now Kwara State Polytechnic), and also as Kwara State Commissioner for Education in the late 1970s.
Prof. Egbewole highlighted that Chief Adebayo’s time as Commissioner coincided with the formative years of the University of Ilorin, adding that the support received from his administration significantly contributed to the institution’s growth.
The late Adebayo also served as a Senator of the Federal Republic between 1979 and 1983, before later joining President Olusegun Obasanjo’s cabinet as Minister of Works and subsequently Minister of Communication from 2003 to 2007.
Prof. Egbewole further recalled Chief Adebayo’s leadership role in the pro-democracy National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during the military era, noting that his commitment to democratic ideals helped pave the way for the return to civilian rule in the 1990s.
Describing him as a patriotic academic whose career had a far-reaching impact on society, the Vice Chancellor said the University of Ilorin counts Chief Adebayo among its valued supporters and friends. He expressed regret that the former governor passed away as the university prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Prof. Egbewole, who also serves as Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU), conveyed his condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, as well as to Chief Adebayo’s family and the people of Kwara State.
He concluded by praying for the repose of the elder statesman’s soul and for strength for his family and associates in their time of grief.
