ABEOKUTA — The campus community of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has been plunged into deep mourning following the transition of Professor (Pastor) Elizabeth Abidemi Balogun, the wife of the institution’s fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun.
Professor Elizabeth Balogun, a revered academic giant, accomplished scientific researcher, and retired Professor of Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the age of 71.
In a swift demonstration of solidarity and institutional respect, the FUNAAB University Management paid a high-powered condolence visit to the residence of the former Vice-Chancellor in Abeokuta on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
A Delegation of Honor and Sympathy
The condolence visit, which served as a poignant moment of reflection for the university leadership, was led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Olusegun Idowu, who stood in representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Kehinde.
The high-ranking delegation also featured key principal officers of the university, including:
Speaking during the emotional visit, Professor Idowu extended the heartfelt sympathies of the entire university council, senate, staff, and students to Professor Balogun and his family. He offered prayers for divine comfort, exceptional strength, and the ultimate fortitude required to bear what he described as an “irreparable loss to the academic world and humanity.”
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”A Great Source of Comfort” — Prof. Balogun Responds
Visibly moved by the gesture, the former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun—who steered FUNAAB through an era of landmark developmental strides between 2007 and 2012—expressed his profound gratitude to the current university administration.
He noted that the presence, prayers, and institutional support of the FUNAAB leadership provided immense solace to his grieving family during this trying period.
”This gesture stands out as a great source of comfort to myself and the entire family,” Professor Balogun remarked, commending the delegation for preserving the strong bonds of the university’s communal registry.
Legacy of an Academic Titan
The late Professor Elizabeth Abidemi Balogun was far more than a supportive spouse to a former Vice-Chancellor; she was a trailblazing scholar in her own right. Her academic footprint crossed multiple institutions, notably leaving an indelible mark at both the University of Ilorin and FUNAAB’s own Department of Biochemistry.
Earlier, in an official university statement, the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, paid glowing tribute to the deceased matriarch, describing her as an accomplished scholar, a devoted Christian, a loving mother, and a woman whose earthly journey was defined by humility and excellence.According to the university management, funeral arrangements will be officially communicated by the Balogun family in due course.
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