Late Computer Engineering don, Opadiji, laid to rest
*VC, Dean mourn
By Abubakar Imam and Mustafa Abubakar
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has expressed profound sadness on the death of a Professor at the Department of Computer Engineering, Jayeola Femi Opadiji.
Aged 49, Prof. Opadiji died on December 31, 2025 after a brief illness. His remains were buried last Friday (January 9, 2026) at the Christian Cemetry, Oke Oyi, Ilorin.
In a statement signed by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, the Vice Chancellor said that the entire University community was devastated by the news of the sudden death of Prof. Opadiji.
Prof. Egbewole described the deceased as a humble, humane, young, enterprising and brilliant scholar who worked with others to raise the glowing profile of the University at national and international levels.
He commiserated with the Opadiji family, the University community, and the wider academic and official circles, describing the late professor as a man of uncommon brightness, dedication, and sense of purpose.
The Vice-Chancellor said, “I have had personal contact with Prof. Opadiji for close to 40 years, and not for once did you fail to see his brilliance and commitment. You could always see that he had a clear mission, and indeed, he fulfilled that mission, especially for our University.
The funeral featured a commendation service at Masterpiece in Christ Church (MiCC Global), along University Road, Oke-Odo, Ilorin.
The event was attended by family members, friends, and associates from all walks of life, including members of the University community. Interment later took place at the Christian Burial Ground along Ilorin–Oke-Oyi Road.
In his tribute, the Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET), University of Ilorin, Prof. Joshua O. Olaoye, described the late don as “a standing soldier for Christ” and an exceptional academic whose passing came as a rude shock to the Faculty and the University community.
According to the Dean, Prof. Opadiji was a distinguished Professor in the Department of Computer Engineering.
He joined the University in July 2001 as a Graduate Assistant and steadily rose through the academic ranks, attaining the position of Professor in October 2022.
He began his academic career in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering before being deployed around 2010 to the Department of Biomedical Engineering, where he rendered pioneering services.
In August 2014, he became the pioneer Head of the Department of Computer Engineering, playing a crucial role alongside Prof. Aye Taiye Ajiboye in the establishment and accreditation of the Computer Engineering programme by both the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
The late Prof. Opadiji earned his Bachelor and Master of Engineering degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Ilorin and later obtained a Doctor of Engineering (Dr Eng ) degree in Computer and System Engineering from Kobe University, Japan.
His area of specialisation was System Informatics, with research interests spanning optimisation of complex systems, multi-agent systems, Industry 4.0, and science and technology education.
A registered Engineer with COREN and a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the late don taught courses including computer programming, bioinformatics, technopreneurship, and microcomputer hardware and software systems.
He supervised over 100 undergraduate students and 14 postgraduate students, and authored more than 40 local and international publications.
He also served on COREN accreditation teams, contributed to the development of the COREN Benchmark Minimum Academic Standard (BMAS), and consulted in electrical, ICT, instrumentation, and control systems for public utilities and residential infrastructure.
Beyond his academic excellence, the late Prof. Opadiji was widely admired for his commitment to staff welfare and strong advocacy for students’ wellbeing.
A devout Christian and dedicated family man, he supported many students as a foster father, providing monthly stipends throughout their undergraduate studies.
Prof. Opadiji is survived by his wife, Mrs. Yewande Tinuola Opadiji; three children, Desola, Rinsola, and Denuola; his sisters; aged parents; and his maternal grandmother.
