Prof. Onimisi Abdullahi Passes On
By Mubarak Oladosu
The death has been announced of Prof. Onimisi Ekuh Abdullahi, retired Professor of Educational Psychology in the Department of Social Science Education, University of Ilorin. He died in Abuja last Wednesday (July 22, 2026).
The announcement was made by the Head of the Department of Social Science Education, Prof. Muhinat B. Bello, in an internal memo issued to members of the University Community last Friday (July 24, 2026).
Titled “Announcement of the Passing of Professor Onimisi Ekuh Abdullahi,” the memo read in part: “It is with deep sorrow that I announce the passing of our beloved former colleague and elder, Professor Onimisi Ekuh Abdullahi, formerly of the Department of Social Sciences Education. He retired from the University on 25th December, 2024.
‘‘Professor Abdullahi was buried last Thursday (July 23, 2026), in his hometown, Okene, in accordance with Islamic rites.
‘‘He was an academic par excellence, a devoted Islamic scholar, and a man of faith. He served this university with distinction as a member of the University Congregation for many years. In every position he held, he made a lasting impact through his dedication and excellence.
‘‘Above all, he was a true advocate of welfare, a father and mentor who always looked out for everyone around him. His absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
‘‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire university community. May Allah grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.”
Prof. Abdullahi was a former Head of the then Department of Arts and Social Science Education at the University of Ilorin. He also served as Director of the University of Ilorin School of Preliminary Studies, SPS, at Fufu, Ilorin.
His academic career spanned more than three decades at the University of Ilorin, during which he established himself as an authority in Educational Psychology. He published extensively on student academic achievement, counselling, examination ethics, and guidance psychology.
Beyond Unilorin, Prof. Abdullahi also served as Provost of the Federal College of Education, Okene.
Leading tributes to the late scholar is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN. In a statement issued on his behalf by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, the Vice-Chancellor described Prof. Abdullahi as “a man of consequential impact on minds, who mentored many into academic greatness.”
The Vice Chancellor also acknowledged Prof. Abdullahi’s indelible contributions to making the University student-friendly through his expertise in Educational Psychology.
Speaking with UNILORIN Bulletin Prof. Muhinat B. Bello described the late Professor as “a good man who looked after the interests of everyone, promoted colleagues, and offered support and words of encouragement to the weak and sick.”
In her tribute, the immediate past Head of the Department of Social Science Education, Prof. Hamdalat Taiwo Yusuf, described Prof. Abdullahi as “a true Professor of Educational Psychology whose impact was felt within and beyond the classroom.”
The late don, widely recognised for promoting academic standards, administrative discipline, and student mentorship, was also mourned by the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adeiza Bello, who described his death as “a monumental loss.”
