The University of Lagos Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association(UNILAGFEAA) hereby announces the transition to eternal glory of Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe, CFR with profound sadness and gratitude to the Almighty God for a life of impact and excellence.

He served as the Head of the Faculty’s Engineering Analysis Unit from 1991 to 1995, and the Dean from 1995 to 1999. He was subsequently the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor in April 2000 and Vice-Chancellor between September 2000 and April 2007.

Professor Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, a past President of the Nigeria Academy of Science, attended both Ilesa Grammar School and Igbobi College from 1962 – 1968 and the University of Lagos from 1968 – 1971. He was awarded a Bachelor of Science [B.Sc.(Hons)] degree in Mathematics in the First Class Division by the University of Lagos, Nigeria in 1971; a Master of Mathematics [M. Maths] degree in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science in 1973 and a Doctor of Philosophy {PhD} in Civil Engineering with specialization in Applied Mechanics/Systems in 1976 both form the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. He was born on July 5 1949; married to Olusola and had 4 children.

Professor Ibidapo-Obe was a Western Nigeria Government Scholar at the University of Lagos 1968 – 1971 and was the overall best graduating student of the University in 1971. Professor Ibidapo-obe was also a Commonwealth Scholar (Canada) (1972-1976); and NSERC/CIDA (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council/Canadian International Development Agency and a Senior Fulbright Research Scholar (1980 -1981). He served the University of Lagos from October 1, 1972 as a Graduate Assistant through 1976 as Lecturer Grade II till 1983 as Professor. Professor Ibidapo-Obe has served as Head of the Engineering Analysis Unit (1991 – 1995) and the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Lagos, (1995 – 1999).

He was subsequently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in April 2000 and Vice-Chancellor between September 2000 and April 2002. He was the Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities. He was 2-times awarded the Best Vice Chancellor’s Prize (2004,2005) for the Nigerian University Systems (NUS). He published extensively in reputable international journals with some 100 papers after his appointment as Professor. The focus of his research was on Control and Information Systems in a Stochastic Environment. He served as an honorary International Scholar-in-Residence at The Pennsylvania State University and a Visiting Research Professor at Texas Southern University both in the United States. Until his death, he was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council of First Technical University, Ibadan.

Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe was invested with the prestigious Fellowship of the Academy of Science and Academy of Engineering, Nigerian Computer Society and Mathematical Association of Nigeria and he was multiple awardee. He was conferred with the national honour as Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) by the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2004.

Oye or Rockefeller as he was called by his friends and classmates, was the Apeluwa of Ile-Ife and Oluomo of Ilesa.

May the soul of this distinguished son of Ijesaland, accomplished Professor of Systems Engineering, renowned international scholar, excellent administrator, erudite Speaker, quintessential gentleman and great Nigerian of no mean repute rest in perfect peace.

May God also give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Engr. Dideolu Falobi, FNSE, FIoD
National Chairman,
UNILAG Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association(UNILAGFEAA)