Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo died on May 24h, 2024.
Prof. Banjo, respected grammarian, got his PhD in English at the University of Ibadan (UI) at the age of 35. He was promoted to professor at the age of 41.
He served as VC of UI from 1984 to 1991 and visiting fellow at the University of Cambridge, 1993-1994, among others offices. The emeritus professor received two national honours from Nigeria, Commander of the Order of the Niger and Nigerian National Order of Merit.
He is an established figure in the world, and was the teacher who taught me how to pronounce Daniel Jones Dictionary. Your leadership trait were intense, integrous and ambidextrous. President Bola Tinubu sent me his tribute for his birthdayl, while I proposed for his 90th lecture title: “Corruption In Higher Education, Causes Consequences and Reforms,” which was supposed to be deliver by president of the UNESCO 32nd sessions, H.E. Prof Michael Omolewa, OON. I’m pained by the demise of a patriot. Rest in wonderful peace.
• Akinyemi Rasaq Akanmu, PhD, UK (Academic and Media Practioner)