Ex University of Ibadan VC, Prof Tekena Tamuno, dies at 83 (RIP)

Posted by admin Headlines Tuesday, April 14th, 2015

By Ola Ajayi

IBADAN-A Professor of History and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Emeritus Professor Tekena Tamuno, has died.

He died at the of age of 83.

The erudite professor died in Ibadan on Saturday afternoon. The Secretary of Nigerian Academy of Letters, NAL, and fellow historian, Prof. Olutayo Charles Adesina, described the death as very sad.

He said: “Professor Tamuno was an extremely cerebral historian and foremost scholar of the humanities, who combined the rigour and flexibility needed for a better understanding of his field.”

In his words, Prof. Francis Egbokhare said, “For a man of his kind of stature as an intellectual and administrator, he was unbelievably accessible to the younger ones, unlike others who would strut like Emperors. If you were with him, you may forget he was not with your age mate. But, more importantly, he was a man who had great faith in God”.

President Goodluck Jonathan at Tamuno’s 80th birthday celebrations in 2012 had described the eminent historian as an asset to the nation,and an edifice of knowledge epitomizing thecapacity of Nigerians to be among the best in the world in their chosen profession.

The President remarked that Tamuno’s birthday was “not a celebration of age, but of resourcefulness and character.” He congratulated the widely published historian for all his achievements in life, and prayed God to give him more years to contribute ideas thatwould help to bring positive transformation to the country.

For the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, Tamuno has been a source of inspiration and honour to the people of Rivers State, adding that he had always been available any time the State was in dire need of his knowledge and resourcefulness for her advancement, especially in the field of education.

The late don was born on January 28, 1932 in Okrika, Rivers State. He attended St. Peter’s School, Okrika, 1938-46; Okrika Grammar School, Okrika, 1947-51; University College, Ibadan, 1953-1958; Birkbeck College, University of London, 1960-62; and Columbia University, New York City, U.S.A. 1965-66.

-Punchwp_posts