Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adebola Ekanola, on Tuesday condoled with the family of Brig.- Gen. Olatunji Luqman Olayinka, who was among the officers that died in the military aircraft that crashed in Kaduna on Friday.
A statement by UI Spokesman, Olatunji Oladejo, said that the Late Olayinka, 51, was an MPhil/PhD student in the Department of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies, Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan.
The VC also also commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians on the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Late Lt. General Ibrahim Attahiru, and other officers in the ill-fated military plane crash.
He described the late Olayinka as a highly cerebral, diligent, disciplined and focused officer, who he said, was interested in using strategic studies to address security challenges in Nigeria.
He said, “Brig.-Gen. Olayinka and others laid their lives for peace, security and unity of Nigeria.
“They would be remembered for their contributions to making Nigeria better than they met it. Today, this grief has touched us all. We must share the pain together. This loss is just as much ours.
“It is from dust that we come and to the dust we shall return. His death is a great loss to his family, Nigerian Army, University of Ibadan and the country generally.
“On behalf of Council, Senate, Congregation, Management, Staff and Students of the UI, I condole the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Visitor to the University of Ibadan, family and good people of Nigeria on this unfortunate incident.
“May God rest their souls in peace. Amen.”
To honour the departed souls, the VC said that the flag of the institution would complement the National Flag of Nigeria and would be flown at half-mast on the campus for three days beginning from Monday till Wednesday.