Renowned historian and a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Ade Ajayi, is dead.
Although his family had not released an official statement, a reliable source said he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, on Saturday.
Among scholars of his age and beyond, Ajayi was particularly respected for the thoroughness of his researches and the fact that he gave character to the study of African history.
Professor Ajayi’s profile read, “As an early writer of Nigerian and African history, Ajayi brought considerable respect to the ‘Ibadan School’ and African research. He was known for the arduous research and rigorous effort he put into his work.
“By extensive use of oral sources in some of his works, such as pre-twentieth century Yoruba history, he was able to weigh, balance and reconcile each and all of his sources, uncovering a pathway towards facts in the period which was scarce in written and non prejudiced forms.”
Meanwhile, scholars and other dignitaries have started paying tributes to Ajayi.
US-based legal practitioners, Emmanuel Fashakin, described him as a trail blazer in many respects.
He said in an online tribute, “He was extremely humble. Indeed, we lost a gem, another worthy son of Africa.”
Also, Prof. Olutayo Adesina of the University of Ibadan, said Ajayi was extremely profound and energetic.
Adesina added, “He was a phenomenon and one of the foremost African historians. He put African history and historiography on the world map.”
Born in Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti State, on May 26, 1929, Ajayi started education at St. Paul’s School, Ikole, at the age of five.
He then proceeded to Ekiti Central School for preparation as a pupil teacher, after which he attended Igbobi College in Lagos.
He eventually gained admission to the University of Ibadan, where he studied History.
In 1952, Ajayi travelled abroad and studied at the Leicester University under the tutelage of Prof. Jack Simmons, a brilliant Oxford-trained historian.
After graduation, he was a research fellow at the Institute of Historical Research, London, from 1957-1958. He later returned to Nigeria and joined the History Department of the University of Ibadan.
In 1964, he was made Dean of Arts at the University and later promoted a deputy Vice Chancellor. After his stint as deputy Vice Chancellor, he was made the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos in 1972.
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