University of Ibadan mourns foremost Linguist Bamgbose

By Ibukun Emiola

The University of Ibadan has expressed deep sorrow over the death of foremost African Linguist, Emeritus Prof. Ayo Bamgbose, who died at the age of 94.

The university in a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations, Mrs Joke Akinpelu, on Saturday, described Bamgbose as an eminent scholar and trail blazer.

The university noted that Bamgbose who was the founding President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) made immense contributions to the growth of linguistics.

“Bamgbose also made contributions to the growth of higher education and intellectual development in Nigeria and beyond.

“The late professor served the institution meritoriously and was Dean of the Faculty of Arts between 1971 and 1973.

“Bamgbose was a distinguished contributor to the country’s academic and intellectual life and remained one of Africa’s most celebrated linguists,” the statement read.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university Prof. Kayode Adebowale, according to the statement, commiserated with the deceased family, friends and the wider intellectual community over the loss.

“Adebowale described Bamgbose’s death as a great loss to scholarship, as his legacy in linguistics and education would continue inspiring generations of academics and researchers,” the statement read.

“The deceased was a recipient of the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM) and Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (FNAL).

“He was awarded the honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) by the university in 2017,” the statement read.