Nigeria’s academic community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Prof. Olu Odeyemi, a distinguished scientist, microbiologist, and administrator of national and international repute. He died at the age of 79.
Prof. Odeyemi, a proud son of Iloko-Ijesa in Osun State, was the pioneer Rector of Osun State College of Technology (OSCOTECH), Esa-Oke and a former Chairman of the Governing Council of Igbajo Polytechnic.
He also served as the President of Ijesa Progressive Council and was the Chairman of the Iwude-Ijesa Planning Committee until his demise.
Confirming his death, a family representative expressed profound grief, stating, “His immense contributions to academia, science, and community development will never be forgotten. He was not just a professor; he was a mentor, a leader, and a true patriot.”
Born on January 19, 1946, in Iloko-Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, Prof. Odeyemi’s academic journey was remarkable.
He attended Ilesa Grammar School and Abeokuta Grammar School before obtaining a B.Sc. in Soil Science (Second Class Upper) from the University of Ibadan in 1970.
He furthered his studies at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, earning a Master’s degree in 1974 and a Doctorate in Agronomy and Microbiology in 1976.
His expertise led him to Cambridge University (UK), McGill University (Canada), and the Indian Institute of Technology (New Delhi) for advanced research.
He was a member of esteemed professional bodies, including the Biotechnology Society of Nigeria, Nigerian Society for Microbiology, and the American Society of Microbiology.
Throughout his career, he held prominent positions and served as a consultant to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), UNESCO, UNEP, FAO, and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), among others.
His groundbreaking work in Agriculture, Microbiology, and Environmental Protection earned him numerous local and international accolades.
He was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Most Valuable Thesis Award at Cornell University in 1976, the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 1999, the National Merit Award in Science and Technology in 1990, the Osun State Government Award for Excellence in Science and Technology in 2005, and the OAU Great Achiever Award in 2003.
His passion for research and conservation led to the establishment of the ENPOST Forest Reserve, an agroforestry and biodiversity farm in Ilesa, which attracts hundreds of visitors annually.
Prof. Odeyemi also played active roles in academia, serving as Head of the Department of Microbiology, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Dean of Students’ Affairs at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
His influence extended beyond education into politics, as he contested the 2007 Osun State governorship election.
Mourning his loss, a close associate described him as “a firm believer in moral values and a relentless advocate for development in Ijesaland.”
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Stella Odeyemi, and a host of family members, friends, and admirers who now grieve his departure.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
