UI’s Acting VC mourns foremost virologist, Olaleye

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Adebola Babatunde Ekanola has mourned the death of the University’s and Nigeria’s foremost virologist, Prof. David Olaleye who died on Tuesday, 27 July, 2021.

The Acting VC said late Prof. Olaleye was a first rate intellectual, academic and virologist who stood out as one of the best in his generation.

In a statement by the University’s Director of Public Communication, Mr. Olatunji Oladejo, the Acting VC said, ” I am grieved to  receive the sad news of the call to glory of our dear intellectual giant and one of Africa’s foremost Professor of Virology, Prof. David Olaleye”.

According to Ekanola, ” the exit to eternity of our most beloved Prof. Olaleye will create a massive gap with sad ripples in our fight against the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria. He was the Head of the Virology Laboratory of the Department of Virology in the College of Medicine of our University which served the purpose of conducting COVID-19 tests and providing useful insights in the fight against the pandemic in many fora untill he passed on.

“The death of Prof. Olaleye is not only a great loss to his immediate family but to the entire academic community. We will sorely miss his deep intellectualism and great academic inspiration.

“In coming to terms with the passage to eternity of our most respected Professor, we take solace in the fact that, by his scholarly contributions, he had bequeathed a great legacy which will keep  his memory alive eternally”, Ekanola said.

On behalf of Council, Senate, Congregation, Management, staff and students of the University of Ibadan, we pray for the repose of the soul of our distinguished Professor. May he enjoy eternal rest in the bossom of our Lord. Adieu Professor Olaleye!”, the Acting VC added.