…Obasanjo, Amosun others pay tributes
By Adeyinka Adeniran
Fourty years after his death, the management of the University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan has named its Administrative block, Postgraduate College after a renowned scientist and policy formulator, Prof. Sanya Onabamiro for his immense contribution to the education sector.
Speaking at the brief event on Tuesday, the Vice- Chancellor, UI, Professor Kayode Adebowale recalled some of the late schloars grounbreaking work, saying that, Onabamiro’s research on Guineaworm stands him out among his equals in the sector.
He said, the decision of the management to name the Administrative building of the Postgraduate College after him is in recognition of his contribution to the education sector.
Also speaking in the same vein, former President Olusegun Obasanjo lauded the decision of the management of the Institution to name the Administrative block after Prof. Onabamiro who he described as an icon.
“I thank the University of Ibadan for naming the Administrative building after Prof. Onabamiro
“In our culture, we never forget our source, a river that forgets it’s source will dry up. Whatever you are, you should continue to nourish your background and appreciate it.
“Professor Onabamiro has left a remarkable legacy that he should never be forgotten. Coming here today and naming this building after him and the working together with the university authority and the family I believe is what he deserves.
“Sweet is the memory of the righteous so the Bible says, I will say, sweet is the memory of the diligent and of the righteous. Professor Onabamiro was diligent and from what you have read and heard, Onabamiro was righteous. May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace.”
In his remarks at the occasion, the former governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun lauded the contribution of Professor Onabamiro to the education sector.
He said, “The academic world recognizes his contribution to the sector, especially in the area of research, hence his research on Guineaworm is named after him in a journal.
“Also his name will never be forgotten for the pivotal role that he played in the formulation of policy of compulsory education in the Western region.”
Earlier in her welcome address, one of his children, Mrs Enitan Onabamiro described her late father as a great family man who was brilliant and committed to excellence.
“He was someone that pursued excellence all through his life, we a great scientist, author, proficient writer and a politician. He served as Minister of Education, Agriculture, shaped policies in education and was versatile.
“At the end of his life, he was someone that has left a great legacy in the name of Onabamiro.
“It is not too surprising that the University of Ibadan, even though it has taken 40 years that the University of Ibadan has deemed it fit to recognize his achievements and to place his name on a building so that future generations may know who he was.”
She said the family will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the legacy of their patriarch.
She noted that her father was a proponent of the use of the mother language (Yoruba) as means of communicating with children at home
“My father refused us not to speak in English, I was not allowed a word of English at home. In school, we were taught English, if we get home, we dare not speak English in our house. My father believed so much in the efficacy of Yoruba language.
“If that policy can be brought back to life will do us well. If you know your mother language, you will know your culture and your history and your values can not be compromised”, she added.
The Nation reports that the late Professor Onabamiro was a renowned Nigerian biologist and statesman born on May 24, 1913, in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. He made significant contributions to the field of parasitology, particularly in the research of Guinea worm disease.
His groundbreaking work led to the discovery of the route of the guinea-worm parasite and the development of strategies for its eradication.¹
He passed away on February 11, 1985, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence and contributions to the development of Nigeria’s education system.
