By Abubakar Imam
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has expressed sadness over the demise of the former Chief of Staff to former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Major-General Abdullahi Mohammed, GCON, describing him as one of the founding fathers of the University.
General Mohammed, a distinguished son of Ilorin, died in the early hours of last Wednesday (November 5, 2025) in Abuja after old-age related illness.
Prof. Egbewole, in a statement issued by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, said that the management, staff and students of the University received the news of the death of the statesman with profound sadness, considering his roles in the take-off of the University and his several contributions to national development.
The Vice Chancellor, who also described the late General as an illustrious son of Nigeria, recalled that the nucleus of the University began in a building belonging to the late General at G.R.A, Ilorin, where its pioneer Vice Chancellor lived.
He added that the same building was also used as the interim operational office of the University, pointing out that the leasing of the building to the University at that point-in-time by the late General rescued the University, which was desperately in need of a roomy dual-purpose accommodation for its take-off.
Prof. Egbewole also recalled the administrative support the deceased gave the University, particularly in the early 2000s, saying that as the Chief of Staff to President Olusegun Obasanjo, General Mohammed was quite supportive of the efforts of the administration of Prof. Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem, OFR, in ensuring uninterrupted academic activities.
The Vice Chancellor said that the late General played a great role in ensuring that the University remained open to teaching, learning, research and community service despite the machinations by certain external influences.
Prof. Egbewole expressed regret that General Mohammed died at a time the University was preparing for its Golden Jubilee, saying that the University and the nation would miss him sorely.
The Vice Chancellor commiserated with the Governor of Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), and the Alfanla Adangba family of Ilorin over the loss of this elder statesman.
He prayed to Allah to overlook his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Aljanat Fridaous.
