Monday, 24 March 2025 19:05

Wale Olaitan, ex-Vice Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, passes on @60

Rate this item
(1 Vote)
Wale Are Olaitan Wale Are Olaitan

 

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Professor Wale Are Olaitan, who departed this life today March 24, 2025, after a prolonged illness that began in 2020.

Born in September 1964 in Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu North LGA of Ogun State, Professor Olaitan was a distinguished scholar, a passionate educator, and a relentless advocate for social justice.

His academic journey began at Molusi College, Ijebu-Igbo, after which he worked briefly as a secondary school teacher before gaining admission to the Political Science Department of Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University), Ago-Iwoye, as part of its pioneering class in 1982. He graduated in 1986 as the Overall Best Student, delivering the university’s first-ever valedictory speech. Recognizing his brilliance and exemplary conduct, the university immediately appointed him as a Graduate Assistant and sponsored his postgraduate studies at the University of Ibadan, where he earned a doctorate in Political Science.

A renowned expert in Political Theory and State-Society Relations, Olaitan authored and co-authored over 40 books and academic papers published in local and international journals. His contributions to academia and governance were profound, serving in various capacities at the university, including Head of the Political Science Department, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and ultimately, as the first alumnus to become Vice-Chancellor.

Beyond academia, Professor Olaitan was a prolific public intellectual. He maintained a widely respected weekly column, “Discourse,” in the Nigerian Tribune, where he passionately engaged with national and global issues. He syndicated the same column in NewsScroll, an online newspaper on which board he served as Editorial Advisor. Throughout his career, he stood firmly with the marginalized, using his voice to champion the cause of ordinary Nigerians, the poor, and the oppressed.

Professor Olaitan is survived by his wife, Kemi, and two cherished children, Alanu and Judge.

His legacy of scholarship, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to justice will continue to inspire generations to come. He’ll be sorely missed.

June 09, 2025

Nigerian energy firm achieves 200,000 barrels daily output after Shell acquisition

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited (RAEC) announced it has successfully increased crude oil production beyond…
June 09, 2025

Northern leaders criticize Tinubu for focusing on 2027 re-election instead of national challenges

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has criticized President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives…
June 09, 2025

The two kinds of people in the world - and why it matters for leadership

Robert E. Siegel One provocative assertion I often make when teaching is that there are…
June 07, 2025

‘Nigerians are marrying all our daughters’, Kenya’s President Ruto, cries out

Kenyan President William Ruto has stirred up a storm on social media with his provocative…
June 06, 2025

Gunmen kill two policemen, abduct Chinese in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command on Thursday confirmed the killing of two policemen and the…
June 09, 2025

Here’s the latest as Israel-Hamas war enters Day 612

Israel reveals tunnel under Gaza hospital, says body of Sinwar's brother found there The Israeli…
June 08, 2025

Let God back into the lab: Why science without God is failing us

David Rives In recent decades, a subtle and sinister revolution has occurred in our scientific…
May 13, 2025

Nigeria's Flying Eagles qualify for World Cup after dramatic win over Senegal

Nigeria's U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have secured their place at the 2025…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.