Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank (AfDB), has described the death of Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), as a great loss to the academia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Daramola died on March 25 at the age of 64.
Adesina stated this in a tribute in Akure on Monday and made available to NAN by Mr Adebayo Adegbenro, the Deputy Director of Information and Protocol of FUTA.
The AfDB President said that late Daramola was a brilliant academic who contributed significantly to the development of FUTA.
Adesina in a tribute entitled: “Professor ‘Biyi Daramola: A classmate, friend, and twin brother”, said even in the face of a very challenging health situation, Daramola never lost his voice, positive attitude, concern about Nigeria, and how to make it better.
“You were courageous. You were full of faith. You never lost an opportunity to even remember our birthdays; selflessly, always thinking of others.
“Your brilliant mind was as sharp as ever. There was never any subject or issue you could not engage in and discuss.
“Your brilliance was clear to all ever since we were together at Ibadan Polytechnic, and also together as classmates at the University of Ife(now Obafemi Awolowo University).
“You were our pride when you got elected as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA),” the AfDB president said.
He explained that the late vice chancellor contributed greatly to make FUTA what it is today, with his usual honesty, penchant for professionalism, uncompromising integrity, doggedness, vision, passion, and drive for excellence.
Adesina added that he was at a complete loss of what to say to the deceased wife, and children, who helped and prayed when the former vice chancellor was weathering the storm.
“I will reserve my main tribute until your funeral date.
“For now, as I am in the midst of our classmates and college mates, I want to say that my heart bleeds.
” It is like a mirage. We have lost a wonderful friend and colleague.
“I lost a wonderful and cherished classmate, friend, and a very dear twin brother,” he stated.
Adesina also described late Daramola as an inspiration of note.
“So long, Biyi. Your life and how you lived with impeccable integrity, and Godly faith, will always remain an inspiration.
“You left a legacy of truth, godliness, kindness, generosity and care for all your friends.
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“I love you, Say B, but God loves you most.
“Sleep well, my very dear classmate, friend and twin brother, Say B. With much love,” Adesina wrote in the tribute.
