Ex chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Dr Taiwo Oloruntoba Oju has described the death of Prof Bolaji Adana as saddening, given that he was so energetic until he took ill.
Dr Oju, a lecturer at the Department of English, University of Ilorin, led the academic union, of the varsity branch of which Adana was an active member in defining industrial strike back in 2001.
The strike led to the sack of 49 foundation and illustrious academics of the institution of learning, which the Supreme Court overturned eight years later.
Speaking from Germany via a text message, exclusively to Daily Independent, Oju made a recap of the life and times of the late professor.
“Prof. Bolaji Adana was 80 years of age when he died.”
“Even so he was still very much energetic and full of life before he fell ill, so obviously we would have wanted him around for many, many more years. But he fell ill and has now gone to rest.”
“We are happy that Prof. Adana lived a fulfilled life.”
“His was a life of commitment. He was a committed academic, a committed social worker and a committed family man.”
Family members confirmed Adana’s death on Thursday, saying that the Professor and Proprietor, Royalty Nursery and Primary School, Ilorin, died after a protracted illness.
Prof Adana was a foundation staff, University of Ilorin, where he retired as an Associate Professor.
He was at Tai Solarin University of Education as a visiting Professor and he was at the American University of West Africa, Gambia, where he was appointed Professor and pioneer Provost, College of Management and Information Technology, CMIT.
Adana would be mostly remembered for his landmark contribution to education, learning, teaching and formulation of education policies. He also took part in the activities of academic union.