By Ismaila Chafe
President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family of retired professor of English and English Literature and former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. David Olagoke, aged 88.
In a condolence message by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Tuesday in Abuja, Buhari said Olagoke’s service to the nation would remain indelible.
President Buhari also shared the loss with friends and professional associates of the scholar, writer and publisher.
He noted that the deceased “enriched Nigeria’s educational administrative system and curricular with his intellect and wisdom, with evergreen plays like `The Incorruptible Judge’, `Irokoman’ `The Woodcarver’, and `Death in the Forest’.’’
According to the president, the rich pedigree of the educationist, shaped by years of unwavering commitment to research and teaching, started out as Education Officer at King’s College, Lagos, in 1958.
Olagoke was Lecturer II/I, University of Lagos, 1968-76; Senior Lecturer, 1976-84; Associate Professor of English, University of Lagos, 1984-87.
He was Professor of English and Dean of Arts, Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti, November 1987.
The president believed that Olagoke, who was Longman Research Fellow, would be remembered for his contribution to knowledge, wise counsels to students and leaders, and exemplary lifestyle of discipline and simplicity.
He prayed that the almighty God would receive the soul of the departed, and comfort his family. (NAN)
