Prof. Ogunnaike: Buhari mourns scholar who contributed to National Anthem

President Muhammadu Buhari has joined family and friends of Babatunde Ogunnaike, in mourning the departure of the scholar and administrator.

Ogunnaike is a professor of more than 25 years and Dean of Engineering at Delaware University.

President Buhari noted that Ogunnaike contributed significantly to the lines of the National Anthem.

He said that the scholar showed his patriotism and dedication to the wellbeing of the nation in the living words that daily reinforce the faith and spirit of Nigerians.

As a scholar and administrator, the President affirmed that the long hours of research, spanning into years, enhanced knowledge and understanding, and prepared generations for greater works.

President Buhari prayed that the Almighty God will receive the soul of Prof. Ogunnaike and comfort his family.

Ogunnaike passed away on February 20, 2022, after a long battle with cancer.

He was an American chemical engineer of Nigerian descent and the William L. Friend Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University Of Delaware.

He was the former Dean of UD’s College of Engineering.

Ogunnaike was born on March 26, 1956, in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

He attended the University of Lagos for his bachelor’s degree, graduating with First Class Honours in chemical engineering in 1976.

He commenced academic work as a lecturer at the department of chemical engineering, University of Lagos, in 1982 and became senior lecturer and successively, associate professor of chemical engineering.

He continued lecturing at the University of Lagos until 1988.