UNILAG Alumni, Lagos Chapter Unveils Plans For Sofoluwe’s Fifth Memorial

The fact that the late vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe, thoroughly bred and sponsored indigent students up to doctoral level is a virtue that cannot be easily forgotten, Chairman, UNILAG alumni, Lagos chapter, Dr. Lukumon Adeoti has said.

Adeoti in an interaction with The Guardian ahead of the 5th memorial service of the late vice chancellor said the alumni is strategically putting things in place to make this year’s celebration noteworthy.

He said the three-day activities will commence on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. On Thursday, May 11, there will be memorial service at the church and mosque; afterwards sporting activities will take place on same day. Eight secondary schools have been selected to participate in the programmes.

On Friday May 12, 2017, Vice Chancellor, Sokoto State University, Prof. Nuhu Yaqub will deliver the memorial lecture, titled, “The administration and management of a university in a recessed economy: The case study of Nigeria.”

Describing the late academic and a versatile administrator, and an embodiment of simplicity, Adeoti said the yearly anniversary is worthwhile, citing his selfless service to the university and humanity.

He said, “Sofoluwe was a very hardworking man, he loved education when he was alive to the extent that he sponsored up to 72 students and they all graduated, he trained people at the level of undergraduate; masters and PhD, some of them are equally professors. And so he left good legacies, when people died, they are forgotten but only those with good deeds would be remembered.

“He was the only VC that died in active service, if somebody singlehandedly can sponsor up to 72 students with his personal money, not as the vice chancellor because he had already started it before his appointment, this should serve as a pointer to those that are round that are not kindhearted and productive. He trained people for succession, and by the time he died, we have already imbibed his concept, particularly the faculty of science, he contributed a lot to human development, and we have the standard today.”

Sofoluwe was said to have died of cardiac arrest on Friday May 11, 2012, at the age of 62. The late academic was born on April 15, 1950.

Source: Guardian