Celebrating the life of
Professor Idowu Odeyemi
Balogun Agbaye - A rare gem and embodiment of our
cultural dignity and knowledge
Professor
Idowu Odeyemi
FNMGS
July 27 1950 - January 13 2022
Professor Idowu Bolofinde Odeyemi, a renowned University Scholar, Consultant Geologist and quintessential defender of African and Yoruba spirituality, was born on the 27th of July 1950. He attended St John's Primary School, Ilawe- Ekiti (1956- 1961) and Notre Dame College Usi-Ekiti (1963-1967).
He was happily married to his life partner, Professor (Mrs) Olusola Olasumbo Odeyemi, who is also an internationally renowned academic.
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An Academic Giant and Community Leader
He was invited back by the University to study for his Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1973 which he completed in 1977 at the young age of 27 years. He commenced his decades-long academic career in October of the same year at the University of Ibadan. With the creation of seven new Federal Universities of Technology in 1982, Professor Odeyemi transferred his services to the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) on 1st January 1984 and was appointed as the pioneer Head of the Department of Applied Geology, where he rose through the ranks to become Professor of Applied Geology.
Imbued with a shared passion to develop Ilawe-Ekiti and brighten its social landscape, Professor Odeyemi and his wife decided to establish Lakeview Resort, Ilawe-Ekiti on the 30th of July, 2016. The Resort now provides recreational and hospitality services to the people of Ilawe-Ekiti and neighbouring towns. They live by the maxim that “to whom much is given, much is also expected” and that having their historical and cultural roots fastened to the town, it is important to give something back to the land of their birth.
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Quintessentially African, a maverick and a fighter, never afraid to stand by his beliefs…..
Professor Idowu Odeyemi, Professor of Geology: A Glorious End to a Sterling Academic Career after 48 years in academics, and 37 years of meritorious service to the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA , Professor Idowu Odeyemi formally bowed out of active service on Monday, 27th July 2020 on the attainment of statutory retirement age of 70
The greatness of a man is not only what he knows but how far he has been able to establish an enduring legacy for the coming generation.
Professor Odeyemi has touched so many lives in great ways and has mentored thousands around the world to great success. If you would like to give back or celebrate Dad, click on the button below.
Erin nla loo
“Erin nla loo nigbo, Efon nla lolodan, Eja nla lo lomi, Professor Idowu Odeyemi Boloofinde (Balogun awo agbaye) Odi gbere oooo, Odigba oooo, Ka awo rere o je nimo rere”
Prof Odeyemi came, saw and conquered
“He played his part excellently well and left massive footprints and a name one cannot help to be proud to be associated with. Adieu Prof. Do accept my condolence Tunde.”
Tribute to Late Professor I.B. Odeyemi
“Professor I.B. Odeyemi was my teacher both at first and master's degrees at the University of Ibadan. He was the pioneer staffer and Ag. HOD of the Department of Applied Geology when I picked up employment with FUTA. He was the Chairman at my wedding reception and later became my PhD Supervisor. We both carried out many fieldwork and professional consultancies and published research outputs. A field geologist to the core, he taught me Entrepreneurial Geology (I'm yet to see the synopsis in any curriculum).
My academic father was a bag of humour who wanted whoever was with him to enjoy the moment. To him, my pet name is Abbey! He was never tired of cracking jokes. In November 2021 after exchanging pleasantries, he asked me and my wife to visit him and be ready to spend at least one night, and we agreed. But that was not to be.
We had fantastic teacher-student, boss-worker, mentor-mentee relationships spanning more than 40 years.
We will sorely miss him.
May Olódùmarè accept his return.”
— Prof. A.Y.B. Anifowose
ADIEU Prof . I. B. Odeyemi
“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear” We will all, someday, experience death, and become obsolete as a dead leaf falling from a tree, crushed by passersby to ashes underlying the earth.
Good Night my Wise Man, Leader and Boss!”
— Com. Ralph Ogunsanya, CNA, MCPP
WhyteAmbassador® Foundations
Fine man Odeyemi
“He is one of the few lecturers I so much admired while in the university that if I chose to be one, he would have mentored me. A fine lecturer, neat, world-class Consultant and a motivator.
May the Lord overlook his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest. My condolence to the immediate family, Geoscience family and the entire FUTA community.”
— Past Student
A rare Gem is gone!!!
“How else, can you identify a man that is full of our heritage spirit without contradiction? Honestly, my relationship with this Emeritus Professor confirmed all the perfect accolades from numerous past students that are now Professors, Research Fellows, Scientists and professionals, to describe a man full of Yoruba heritage honour, cultural vigour and dignity.
May Orunmila crown him with that honour that he really deserves in this world by the grace of Eledua (Ase)”
— Prince Obaloye Otuko
Adieu the GeoMan!!!
“I received with a rude shock the death of great iroko and an academic Colossus, baba, Prof. Odeyemi. Words are scarce to describe him but I pray the almighty God to forgive him of his shortcomings and grant his soul eternal rest and peace until the resurrection morning. I also pray for Oga Tunde and all others he left behind for God to comfort and console them in these trying times without their father with the right fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Adieu Professor Odeyemi - Babalawo!
“It was my undergraduate Professor of Geo-Mathematics - Professor Ojo, who left us recently. And now it is my undergraduate Professor of Structural Geology - Professor Odeyemi. Both were classical. Both were pioneers at FUTA Geoscience. Both are gone!
May Olodumare comforts their families, friends and communities they left behind.
My fond memory of Odeyemi were statements he made in the few classes we had with him in 97/98 300L:
" I will give you enough assignments to keep you busy, away from attending secret cults meetings and fellowships".
"Peru people are more Catholic than Pope, yet they believe it's their sins that make Earthquakes happen there because they lack knowledge of Structural Geology".
What a humorous man was Professor Odeyemi!!!
And yes, he was an Entrepreneur-Geologist. He came to our class only about 4 or 5 memorable times. But gave us loads of assignments and made us do self-learning, which most of the time is the best learning method for mature learners. I would have loved he got us involved in his consultancy projects.
Were Odeyemi to be in the US or the UK academics, he probably would have established a Research Consortium, funded by the industry, just like my Heriot University's Graduate Mentor and Supervisor - Professor Colin MacBeth. Macbeth is conveniently supervising 10 to 14 PhD students in his Research Consortium - Sponsored by about 18 Energy and Oil Producing, and Consultancy, Companies. He sees all his PhD students for at least 30 minutes every week. Yet, he still does consultancy services, results of which he sometimes uses in teaching masters students.
Adieu Professor Odeyemi.
My hope is that Odeyemi's entrepreneurial spirit will be embedded in the academic community, in training future generations to be job creators and not job seekers.”
— Olarinre Salako, PhD
January 15, 2022