Prof. Jimoh Mosobalaje Oyawoye, regarded as the father of geology in Nigeria and first Professor of geology in Africa is dead.
The Network gathered that Prof Oyewole died at the age of 96 at his country home of Offa on Monday.
The Prof who was the Baba Adini of Kwarra State would be buried according to Islamic rites on Tuesday.
He attended Offa Grammar School and Ibadan Grammar School in 1949 and finished with an outstanding result in the Cambridge School Certificate.
The late renowned scholar started as Geological Survey Assistant at Geological Survey of Nigeria, Kaduna in 1950 after completing his secondary education.
He was later admitted into Washington State University, USA, in 1952 where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in 1955.
He had postgraduate studies at the University of Durbam in United Kingdom in 1956 where he was awarded the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Geology in 1959.
He became first Professor of Geology in Africa in 1966 at the age of 39 years at the University of Ibadan. He lectured in the institution from 1960 to 1977.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Kwara State AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has described his death as a huge national loss.
He described him as one of the greatest Nigerians of all time and a pride of the Nigerian state.
In a condolence message on Monday, signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Rafiu Ajakaye the Governor said the death of Africa’s first Professor of Geology is the end of a great era in academic accomplishments, dedication to community service, and statesmanship.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the Olofa of Offa Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, the Olofa-In-Council, the Muslim community in Kwara State for whom he was the Baba Adini, and the Oyawoyes on this sad development. Prof. Oyawoye was in a class of his own in philanthropy, academic accomplishments, community service, leadership, and support for national development. He was one of the last men standing, and his death represents a huge void in everything he represented for Offa people, Kwara State, and Nigeria.
“We find comfort in his fine legacies as the father of Geology in Africa, a powerful Crown Prince of Offa, and a statesman who wielded so much influence and deployed the same for public good. We beseech Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Al-jannah Firdaus, and keep his family on the right path.” He said
The late professor was a former Chairman GTB PLC, and Former Chairman of the West African Examination Council
