Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Adebola Babatunde Ekanola, has commiserated with the President Muhammadu Buhari, family, friends, associates and other Nigerians on the death of the Provost Marshall of the Nigerian Army, Brig. General Olatunji Luqman Olayinka, who died with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru and nine others in the ill-fated military plane crash at Kaduna International Airport on Friday, May 21.
UI’s Director of Public Communication, Olatunji Oladejo, who spoke on behalf of the acting Vice Chancellor on Monday, May 23, said that Brig. Gen. Olayinka, aged 51, who hailed from Ikorodu, Lagos State, was a MPhil/PhD student in the Department of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies, Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan before his demise.
Prof. Ekanola described Olayinka as “a highly cerebral, diligent, disciplined and focused officer, who was interested in using strategic studies to address security challenges in Nigeria.”
He offered prayers and sympathies to the security family in Nigeria, saying that the death of the fallen gallant officers was a huge loss to Nigeria.
“Brig. General Olayinka and others laid their lives for peace, security and unity of Nigeria. They will be remembered for their contributions to making Nigeria better than they met it. Today, this grief has touched us all. We must share the pain together. This loss is just as much ours.
“It is from dust that we come and to the dust we shall return. His death is a great loss to his family, Nigerian Army, the University of Ibadan and the country generally.
“On behalf of Council, Senate, Congregation, Management, Staff and Students of the University of Ibadan, I condole the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Visitor to the University of Ibadan, family and good people of Nigeria on this unfortunate incident. May God rest their souls in peace. Amen,” he said.
The PPRO said that the UI flag would complement the national flag of Nigeria to be flown at half mast on the campus for three days beginning from Monday, May 24, till Wednesday, May 26, to honour the departed souls as ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari.
