The University of Ibadan (UI) has immortalised one of Nigeria’s most distinguished scientists and scholars, late Professor Sanya Dojo Onabamiro, by naming its Postgraduate College administrative building in his honour. At a colourful event graced by eminent Nigerians including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the university community paid glowing tributes to the late professor, extolling his immense contributions to education, science, and national development.
UI Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, described the naming of the edifice as a deliberate effort to etch Onabamiro’s legacy into the institutional memory of the university. He noted that Professor Onabamiro was not only a trailblazer in the field of parasitology but also a committed public servant and visionary educator whose work continues to inspire. “This is not just a building,” the VC remarked, “it is a monument to excellence, a space that will forever reflect the values and contributions of a true academic titan.”
Professor Adebowale highlighted Onabamiro’s pioneering research, including international recognition for the discovery of Dracunculus Onabamiroid, a scientific milestone that placed Nigeria on the global map of scientific advancement. He further emphasised that the late scholar’s legacy lives not only in his books and discoveries but in the many lives he touched and the institutions he helped build. The VC praised the Onabamiro family for sharing their patriarch with the world, noting that future generations of scholars would continue to draw inspiration from his life.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chaired the naming ceremony, described the late professor as an erudite educationist and scientist whose contributions should never be forgotten. He commended the university for the thoughtful and deserving gesture, stressing that “Professor Onabamiro left a remarkable legacy that must be preserved and celebrated.” The elder statesman also lauded UI as the first and best university in Nigeria, urging it to remain a beacon of academic excellence.
In his own tribute, Senator Ibikunle Amosun expressed pride in the honour accorded to an illustrious son of Ogun State. He recounted Onabamiro’s trailblazing feats, including being the first African to earn a Ph.D. from a British colonial university in Africa, and his scientific breakthroughs which earned international recognition. The former governor described the honouree as a barrier-breaker and academic icon whose achievements continue to inspire scholars across generations.
Also speaking, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of UI, Professor Idowu Olayinka, reaffirmed the significance of the Postgraduate College in Nigeria’s higher education landscape, describing it as the flagship of postgraduate education in the country. He praised the university’s leadership for recognising and celebrating an academic legend whose work remains foundational to scientific and educational progress in Nigeria.
The ceremony reached its peak with the unveiling of the new signage bearing Professor Onabamiro’s name. Chief Obasanjo, alongside Professor Adebowale and other special guests, performed the unveiling to a round of applause from the audience. The programme also featured a memorial lecture in honour of the late professor, organised by his family, ensuring that the life and legacy of Sanya Onabamiro remain an enduring part of Nigeria’s academic heritage.
