The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Major-General Abdullahi Mohammed (rtd.), GCON, former Chief of Staff to Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, describing him as one of the founding fathers of the University.
General Mohammed, a distinguished son of Ilorin, died in the early hours of Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in Abuja, after an age-related illness.
In a statement issued by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, Prof. Egbewole said the management, staff, and students of the University received the news of the elder statesman’s death with profound sadness, given his vital role in the establishment and growth of the institution.
The Vice Chancellor recalled that the nucleus of the University began in a building belonging to the late General at the Government Reserved Area (G.R.A.), Ilorin, which served as both the residence of the pioneer Vice Chancellor and the University’s interim operational office.
He noted that the decision of the late General to lease the building to the University at its formative stage was instrumental to its successful take-off, as it provided the much-needed space for administrative and academic coordination.
Prof. Egbewole also highlighted the late General’s unwavering support for the University during his tenure as Chief of Staff to President Olusegun Obasanjo, particularly commending his cooperation with the administration of then Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem, OFR.
He said General Mohammed played a significant role in ensuring that the University remained stable and continued its teaching, research, and community service functions despite external pressures at the time.
The Vice Chancellor expressed regret that the elder statesman passed away at a period when the University was preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary, noting that his death represents a great loss to the institution and the nation.
Prof. Egbewole extended condolences to the Governor of Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), and the Alfanla Adangba family of Ilorin on the loss of the revered community leader.
He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the late General’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Aljanat Firdaus.