The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile Ife, has lost three of its
academic staff in one week as the institution on Sunday announced the
passing of the Acting Head of the Department of Dramatic Arts,
Victoria Adeniyi.
The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Abiodun Olanrewaju in
a statement made available to newsmen said: “it is too painful for us
as a University to tearfully break the unpalatable news of the demise
of another promising academic and a prominent member of OAU community,
Dr. Victoria Oluwaremilekun ADENIYI, who, until her death early this
morning was the Acting Head, Department of Dramatic Arts.”
Mr Olanrewaju added that the deceased directed this year’s convocation
play which was staged four days ago.
“She was also yesterday, a part of the academic procession of the
grand finale of the University’s 44th Convocation,” he said.
Mrs Adeniyi’s death occurred less than 48 hours after a Professor of
Paediatrics, Jerome Elusiyan, was killed by unknown gunmen.
He was the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) at the
Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, (OAUTH),
Ile-Ife, and was killed in Edo State.
According to a family source, he was travelling between Ekpoma and
Benin alongside his driver when he was attacked by the gunmen.
On December 7, Nicholas Igbokwe, a senior lecturer of the Department
of Physical and Health Education was reportedly found dead in his
office.
Igbokwe’s colleagues disclosed that before his death, the deceased was
seen in the faculty during the early morning hours without any traces
of sickness.
They described him as an easy going and amiable personality, adding
that his demise had thrown the department, as well as the institution
into mourning.
Reacting to the latest occurrence, a student in Mrs Adeniyi’s
department described her as a ‘huge’ loss to the institution.
“I know her during DRA107 days. She comes early as 6am to class to
mark her attendance. She was one of the few lecturers I love and
appreciate,” Sunkami Fatoba said.
Another student who simply identified herself as Bimpe said: “it is
sad that we won’t resume with Mrs Adeniyi”
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Eyitope Ogunbodede, had visited
the university’s Teaching Hospital and directed that necessary papers
be filled for the conduct of a post mortem.
