By Ogunseye Odunayo
The Governing Council of the University of Ibadan has approved that three buildings and a Street be named after four Ibadan icons whose academic exploits have strengthened the legacy of the institution.
This development is contained in a statement issued by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Idowu Olayinka today (Monday) August 23rd.
The four icons are Professor Sanya Onabamiro, Prof. A.B.O Desalu, Prof A.O.K Johnson and Dr. Michael Omolayole.
According to the VC, the Administrative Building of the Postgraduate College has been named after Professor Sanya Dojo Onabamiro (1913-1985), an eminent scientist, statesman and the first person to earn a PhD degree in any British Colonial University, whose works contributed immensely to the development of the institution.
The Anatomy Lecture Theatre in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences has also been named after Prof. A.B.O Desalu, the Dean of the Faculty from 1984-1986, who has served the University and the country meritoriously as a medically qualified Anatomist, he further disclosed.
Prof Olayinka also said: “The Board Room of the Oluwole Akande Building in the College of Medicine has been named after the second Provost of the College (1984-1985), Prof A.O.K Johnson Board Room. This is in recognition of his notable contributions to the College of Medicine, the University of Ibadan and the entire country.”
The Street leading to the Alumni Building Complex is now known as the Michael Omolayole Close.
“This is an honour of Dr. Michael Omolayole (Alumnus 1948). He is widely respected as an astute negotiator in industry and labour relations, and had received the degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) from his alma mater in 1973. He was the initiator of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association Worldwide and served as the Chairman of the University of Ibadan Endowment Fund for 25 years,” he explained.
