The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adebayo ( 4th from left), presiding priest, Bishop Lasebikan (5th from left) with children and grand children of the late Prof Banjo

Ajayi Crowther University held a Night of Tribute and Service of Song on Monday for its pioneer Pro-Chancellor, Professor Emeritus Ayo Banjo.

Prof. Banjo passed away on May 24, 2024.

The event was organised with the approval of the University’s Board of Trustees (BoT) and Governing Council, in recognition of Banjo’s visionary leadership and dedication to the establishment and growth of the university.

The ceremony, presided over by the former Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, ACU, Most Rev. Prof. George Lasebikan, was attended by all principal officers of the University, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Adebayo, deans of faculties, heads of departments, staff, and representatives of the deceased’s family.

In a tribute read by the Vice-Chancellor, the Chairman of the University Governing Council, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo, described Banjo as a rare gem of inestimable value.

He said, “Anyone who had the opportunity to meet him would know what he stood for. He was an astute institutional administrator with a rich record, having led various institutions including the University of Ibadan.

“He served as the pioneer Pro-Chancellor of ACU and later as chairman of its BoT. His tenure was marked by outstanding initiatives that helped develop the institution. He dedicated his life to academic excellence.”

In her tribute, Banjo’s daughter, Bunmi, mentioned that despite his busy work schedule, her father also devoted time to the development of the family