Professor Ayodeji Banjo, who served as the vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan from 1984 to 1991, has passed away. He died on Friday, May 24, 2024, just 22 days after celebrating his 90th birthday, as confirmed by his family.
Prof Ayo Banjo, renowned as an emeritus professor of English language, also held the position of pro-chancellor at Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo.
Banjo received his early education at St. Andrews Anglican Primary School and Christ Cathedral Primary School in Lagos, Nigeria, followed by his secondary education at Igbobi College in Lagos.
He was awarded a scholarship by the American State Department in 1966 to pursue a Master of Arts degree in linguistics at the University of California, Los Angeles, and later earned his Doctorate degree from the University of Ibadan in 1969.
Starting his academic career as a lecturer at the University of Ibadan in 1966, Banjo steadily rose through the ranks, becoming an associate professor in 1973 and achieving full professorship in 1975.
In 1981, he assumed the role of Vice Chancellor at the University of Ibadan, officially appointed in 1984 and serving until 1991. During his tenure, he chaired the committee of vice chancellors of Nigerian universities.
He also held prestigious positions as a visiting professor at the University of West Indies at Cave Hill and a visiting fellow at the University of Cambridge, England, from 1993 to 1994.
From 2000 to 2004, Banjo served as the pro-chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, followed by a two-year tenure (2005-2007) as pro-chancellor of the University of Ilorin. He continued his service as the pro-chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University until his passing.
