AJAYI CROWTHER VARSITY MOURNS ITS TRUSTEE, SHONEKAN

Chief Ernest Shonekan GCFR

The Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Professor Timothy Abiodun Adebayo, on Friday, commiserated with the family of the former Head of Nigeria’s Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan GCFR, over the demise of the elder statesman. Shonekan, who was a member of the Board of Trustees of the University, passed away at the age of 85 years on Tuesday, 11th January 2022.

In a message of condolence to the Shonekan family, Prof. Adebayo noted that Nigeria has lost a great leader at a time of great need. In paying glowing tribute to the late elder statesman who led the affairs of the nation between 26th August and 17th November 1993, he eulogized the former Head of State for his great sacrifice in times of political instability during the 1993 political impasse.

He stated that the University was pained by his death as a notable Anglican who played a prominent role in pioneering the Ajayi Crowther University and later serving as a member of the Board of Trustees.

The Vice-Chancellor also condoled the President, Commander in Chief, President Mohammed Buhari and other former Heads of States, as well as Chief Shonekan’s widow, Margaret and the children praying that God would give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

In the same vein, the Registrar, Dr. J.E.T. Babatola, in a letter of condolence signed on behalf of the University pointed out that ‘the University would miss the elder statesman, not just because of his pivotal role at the commencement of the University, but also for his fatherly advice and contribution to the growth of the institution’.