Revealed: Brigadier Olayinka plane crash victim was PhD student in UI

Plane crash victim, Brig.- Gen. Olatunji Luqman Olayinka, was an MPhil/PhD student at the University of Ibadan, the authorities disclosed on Monday.

Olayinka, died along with 10 others in last Friday’s military plane crash in Kaduna.

The 51 year-old Olayinka was the provost marshal at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

He was also a student in UI’s Department of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies, Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan.

He studying to become a PhD holder.

UI acting Vice chancellor, Professor Adebola Ekanola who revealed the Brigadier’s link with the university, commiserated with Olayinka’s family.

Ekanola also commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians on the death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Late Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, and other gallant officers in the ill-fated military plane.

UI Spokesman, Olatunji Oladejo, quoted the Acting VC as describing Olayinka, as a highly cerebral, diligent, disciplined and focused officer, who was interested in using strategic studies to address security challenges in Nigeria.

Ekanola, who offered prayers and sympathies to the families of the bereaved, said that the death of the fallen gallant officers was a huge loss to Nigeria.

“Brig.-Gen. Olayinka and others laid their lives for peace, security and unity of Nigeria.

“They would be remembered for their contributions to making Nigeria better than they met it. Today, this grief has touched us all. We must share the pain together. This loss is just as much ours.

“It is from dust that we come and to the dust we shall return. His death is a great loss to his family, Nigerian Army, University of Ibadan and the country generally.

“On behalf of Council, Senate, Congregation, Management, Staff and Students of the UI, I condole the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Visitor to the University of Ibadan, family and good people of Nigeria on this unfortunate incident.

“May God rest their souls in peace. Amen,” he said.

Meanwhile, the University of Ibadan Flag will complement the National Flag of Nigeria to be flown at half-mast on the campus for three days beginning from Monday till Wednesday.

This, he said, was to honour the departed souls.