AjayiCrowther University (ACU), Oyo, has joined the throng of sympathisers, who are mourning the passage of Emeritus Prof Ayo Banjo who passed on Friday, May 24, at the age of 90.

The University through the chairman of the governing council, OlutoyinOkeowo, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Timothy Adebayo, said it received the death of the Emeritus Prof Ayo Banjo with sadness.

The late Ayo Banjo who died on Friday, days after celebrating his 90th birthday, served as the pioneer Pro-Chancellor of ACU and later, chairman of the University Board of Trustees, succeeding Emeritus Prof OladipoAkinkugbe.

Before he became the pioneer Pro-Chancellor of ACU, he served as chairman of the university implementation committee.

In a tribute dedicated to the deceased, Okeowo described him as a visionary leader whose legacy in ACU will forever be remembered.

He said: “Today, we honor and remember our pioneer Pro-Chancellor, Emeritus Prof Ayo Banjo, a visionary leader and pioneering Pro-Chancellor of our great University, whose legacy will forever be etched in the annals of our institution.

“He was not only a guiding light for our University but also a source of inspiration for countless students, faculty, and colleagues.

“He dedicated his life to the pursuit of academic excellence and the betterment of higher education. He believed in the transformative power of education and worked tirelessly to ensure that our University provided the highest quality of learning and development opportunities. Under his stewardship, our institution flourished, achieving milestones that many deemed impossible.

“His tenure as Pro-Chancellor was marked by groundbreaking initiatives and unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and integrity. Ayo Banjo championed the creation of state-of-the-art facilities, the development of cutting-edge research programs, and the expansion of our outreach.

In his own tribute, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adebayo, said beyond the late Banjo’s professional achievements, he was also known for his compassion, wisdom, and generosity.

He said: “He was a mentor to many, always willing to lend an ear and offer sage advice. His humility and kindness endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.” (The Nation)