Across Two Cities, One Enduring Legacy: Family Sets Stage for Prof. Elizabeth Balogun’s Final Journey

By Ayo Arowojolu

The family of former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, has released an elaborate programme of events for the final home-going of his beloved wife, Prof(Pastor Mrs.) Elizabeth Abidemi Balogun, whose sudden passing on June 8, 2026, brought an outpouring of grief across Nigeria’s academic, scientific and Christian communities.

Rather than a solemn farewell alone, the week-long ceremonies are being carefully planned as a celebration of an extraordinary woman whose life traversed scholarship, faith, family and selfless service.

The funeral arrangements, released by the Balogun family, reflect the broad sphere of influence of the late Professor of Biochemistry, with activities scheduled across Abeokuta, Ogun State, and Ilorin, Kwara State, her final resting place, where she spent significant part of her academic career.

The ceremonies will commence in Abeokuta on Monday, August 10, 2026 with a Service of Songs at the family residence, Olufunmilayo Villa, Ibara GRA, expected to draw former colleagues, students, neighbours, church members and admirers who shared in the remarkable journey of the accomplished scholar.

The farewell train then moves to Ilorin, where a second Service of Songs will hold on Thursday, August 13, at the UMCA Chapel of Redemption, Gaa-Akanbi, providing another opportunity for friends and associates in Kwara State to pay their last respects.

The funeral service is scheduled for Friday, August 14, at the same church in Ilorin, after which the late academic will be committed to mother earth in a private interment ceremony.

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A reception in honour of her life will follow later that day at Atlantic Event Palace, Budo-Giwa Road, Ajase-Ipo Road, Offa Garage, Ilorin, while another family reception has been fixed for Saturday, August 15, at Tanke-Iledu Community in Ilorin.

Recognising the wide network of people whose lives Prof. Balogun touched over several decades, the family has also made provision for virtual participation from Abeokuta through the Reception Centre located at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library on IBB Boulevard, Oke-Mosan.

The arrangement underscores the enduring connection between the late professor and the city where she built an enviable academic career as as a lecturer at FUNAAB.

Prof. Elizabeth Balogun was much more than the wife of one of FUNAAB’s most transformational Vice-Chancellors.

She carved out her own distinguished identity as an accomplished biochemist, respected researcher, mentor and administrator whose scholarly contributions advanced knowledge in Biochemical Toxicology and Phytomedicine, particularly in the search for improved antimalarial therapies.

Her publications, research collaborations and mentorship influenced generations of scientists and students who today occupy strategic positions within and outside Nigeria.

Within the walls of FUNAAB, she was admired not merely for her academic brilliance but for her humility, quiet strength and motherly disposition.

Many colleagues recall that during Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun’s Administration between 2007 and 2012—widely regarded as one of the university’s defining eras—Prof. Elizabeth Balogun remained an embodiment of dignity and simplicity despite occupying one of the institution’s most visible positions.

Away from the laboratory, she devoted herself to Christian ministry, becoming a source of spiritual encouragement to many families and young professionals.

Her life demonstrated that scientific excellence and deep Christian faith could flourish side by side.

Speaking during condolence visits following her passing, Professor Oluwafemi Balogun described the death of his wife as completely unexpected.

According to him, she was not battling any illness, making her transition all the more shocking to the family.

Yet amid the grief, the former Vice-Chancellor has consistently spoken with profound gratitude rather than despair. He maintains that his wife lived a fulfilled life, having reached the age of 72—two years beyond the biblical three score years and ten—and witnessing all seven of their children grow into successful adults making meaningful contributions in their respective professions.

That testimony has become one of the defining themes of the family’s reflections. For them, Prof. Elizabeth Balogun’s legacy cannot be measured merely by academic titles or professional honours.

It is equally reflected in the lives she moulded, the family she nurtured, the students she inspired, the church she served and the values she consistently exemplified.

The invitation card itself captures that enduring legacy with the timeless words of Proverbs 31:10: “A virtuous woman, her worth is far above rubies.”

Those words, many observers believe, fittingly summarise a woman remembered for grace rather than glamour, service rather than self-promotion and impact rather than applause.

As friends, colleagues, former students, church leaders and members of the wider academic community prepare to gather in Abeokuta and Ilorin, the funeral ceremonies are expected to become more than moments of mourning.

They will be occasions to celebrate a fulfilled life, honour enduring scholarship and give thanks for a woman whose footprints of faith, excellence and compassion will remain indelible in the annals of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and in the hearts of all who knew her.

Though Prof (Pastor Mrs.) Elizabeth Abidemi Balogun has completed her earthly assignment, the values she embodied and the lives she transformed ensure that her legacy will continue to speak for generations to come.