Late Abiri, a great pathfinder –Yahaya

The pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Prof. John Abiri, has been described as a great pathfinder and illustrious personality whose contributions towards the establishment and growth of the University, particularly its Faculty of Education, would remain imperishable.

This assertion was made last Tuesday (April 30, 2024) by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Lasiele Alabi Yahaya, when he led a delegation of his Faculty members on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased at Abiri town, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The Dean said that the late Prof. Abiri was a teacher, role-model, mentor and statesman whose contributions to the development of the University of Ilorin and the  academia would continue to be  remembered and celebrated.

Prof. Yahaya added that the number of lecturers and students who passed through and benefited from the knowledge and skills of the late educationist and who have contributed and are still contributing immensely to national and human development are too numerous to be mentioned.

He added that the life and times of the late scholar were worthy of emulation, saying that rounding off his sojourn on earth as a traditional ruler was a confirmation of the fact that Prof. Abiri actually lived and died for the people.

Prof. Yahaya, who is also a former Director, Institute of Education, University of Ilorin, explained that the Faculty paid the visit in  acknowledgement of the great roles of the deceased not only towards the establishment of the Faculty but also for his consistent fatherly interventions after his retirement.

He assured the Abiri family of the support of the Faculty and the University at all times, saying that the late Dean deserved all the accolades heaped on him before and since his demise.

Responding, the widow of the deceased, Mrs Patience Titilayo Abiri, thanked the Dean and members of his entourage for deeming it fit to visit the family.

Mrs Abiri said that despite the involvement of her husband in other national and community assignments after his retirement from the University, the late Dean remained emotionally attached to the Better By Far University.