UNILORIN mentees celebrate Bamigbola’s retirement
By Mustafa Abubakar and Bashirat Omotosho
The academic mentees of Prof. Olabode Mathias Bamigbola of the Department of Mathematics, University of Ilorin, have celebrated his retirement with special honour, marking his exit from active service after over three decades of academic contributions.
The ceremony, which took place last Wednesday (January 21, 2026) at the Faculty Board Room, featured a special lecture delivered by a mentee, Prof. Idowu A. Osinuga of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
Prof. Osinuga described Prof. Bamigbola as an exceptional scholar, mentor and role model whose impact on the academic and professional lives of his students and colleagues remains indelible.
He noted that the celebrant’s dedication to teaching, research and human capacity development had produced generations of scholars within and outside Nigeria.
Prof. Bamigbola, who joined the services of the University of Ilorin in 1986 as an Assistant Lecturer and rose to the rank of Professor of Mathematics in 1999, has served in several leadership capacities, including Head of Department and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Sciences.
He has supervised over 100 undergraduate projects, 35 master’s dissertations and 19 doctoral theses. He has published more than 100 scholarly works in reputable journals and conference proceedings.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Olabisi Adeleye Adekeye, commended the honouree for his outstanding service to the Faculty and the University at large.
He described Prof. Bamigbola as a seasoned administrator and bridge-builder who, as former Head of Department and Acting Dean, contributed immensely to academic planning, curriculum development and staff development.
He added that Prof. Bamigbola’s calm disposition, depth of knowledge and commitment to fairness had earned him respect across faculties, stressing that the University is proud to be associated with such a distinguished scholar.
Also, the Head of the Department of Mathematics, Prof. Amos Idowu, described Prof. Bamigbola as “the conscience of the Department,” whose commitment to excellence, discipline and academic integrity had helped to entrench a strong culture of research and mentorship.
He stated that Prof. Bamigbola’s doors were always open to students and colleagues alike, and that his insistence on thoroughness and precision had raised the standard of teaching and supervision in the Department.
According to him, “Prof. Bamigbola is not just a teacher of Mathematics; he is a builder of men and women of character. His legacy will continue to guide our academic practices for many years to come.”
In their goodwill messages, Prof. Babatunde Lateef Adeleke; Prof. Timothy Oloyede Opoola; Prof. Alafara Abdulahi Baba; Prof. Kamilu Rauf; Prof. Olubunmi A. Fadipe-Joseph; Dr Olanrewaju Thomas Olotu; and Miss Mercy E. Akindoyin, said that Prof. Bamigbola is one of the finest products of the University of Ilorin, whose academic journey from student to professor stands as an inspiration to younger scholars.
They assured the honouree that they would continue to draw from his wealth of experience even in retirement.
Earlier, Prof. Yidiat O. Aderinto, said the celebration was conceived to appreciate a man who had invested selflessly in people and institutions.
