It was an evening of commendation for the late Head, Department of Accounting, Professor Solabomi Omobola Ajibolade on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. The event was the Night of Tributes organised by the Faculty of Management Sciences in honour of the late Academic who died on Saturday, November 19, 2022. It was held at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, University of Lagos.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Lucian Chukwu who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folashade Ogunsola, FAS said late Prof. Ajibolade served the University meritoriously in several capacities, and was always ready to run errands on behalf of University.
Prof. Chukwu said she served at the School of Postgraduate studies, and also helped in using her accounting knowledge to solve problems faced by the Ozolua Association. He said the name ‘Iyalode’ came into existence due to the way she solved issues without stepping on toes. He prayed that God grants her eternal rest.
The Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Prof. E.O. Oyatoye in his address, highlighted the smooth relationship he had with the deceased. He said late Prof. Ajibolade was always full of words of encouragement, in times of difficulties to people around her. According to him, “due to our cordial relationship, she stepped down for me to emerge as the Dean of the Faculty even when she had the ambition of becoming the Dean. The Faculty of Management Sciences and Department of Accounting has lost a great friend and she will be forever remembered for all her good deeds”. The Dean prayed that God grants her entire family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Similarly, a former Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences and Head, Department of Accounting, retired Prof. Eddy Omolehinwa, described her work in life as excellent. Prof. Omolehinwa who was one of Prof. Ajibolade’s mentors, noted that she did all her work thoroughly in terms of teaching and project supervision without unnecessary complaint. He also prayed that her soul rest in perfect peace.
Other speakers at the event include the Head, Department of Finance, Prof. Wilfred Iyiegbuniwe; Head, Department of Business Administration who represented the Association of Academic Staff Union, UNILAG Branch, Prof. Bolajoko Dickson Ogbechi; a lecturer of the Accounting Department, Dr. Mrs Jumoke Ogunleye and the former Head, Department of Accounting, retired Prof. Semiu Babatunde Adeyemi. They all commended late Prof. Ajibolade as a very active lecturer and member of the Friendship Circle. They noted that late Prof. Ajibolade earned the name ‘Iyalode’ because she was rich in mind and soul.
Highlighting their fond memories of her, they described late Prof. Ajibolade as an academic mentor and leader to all, reasonable in approach irrespective of position, diligent in service, never looked down on anyone, respectful and ready to relieve the burden of others.
A member of Thomas More Church, UNILAG where the late Professor worshipped, Mrs. Oladunni noted that the late HoD was a true Christian in word and in deed. She said late Prof. Ajibolade did her giving quietly without involving a third party.
A cross section of students including the representative of Postgraduate students in Accounting Department and the President of National Accounting Students Association also shared their tributes. The representative of Postgraduate Student in the Department of Accounting, Mr. Wasiu Emmanuel, indicated that the late Prof. Ajibolade will go on extra mile to provide comfort for students in terms of conducive lecture venue and make provision for extra classes for difficult courses.
At the end of the Night of Tributes, the son the late academic, Mr. Kayode Ajibolade gave the family’s vote of thanks. He appreciated everyone who turned up for the event.
