The University of Ibadan (UI) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigeria’s first Professor of Linguistics, Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose, describing his passing as a monumental loss to Nigeria, Africa and the global academic community.
In a condolence message issued on behalf of the university community, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, extended sympathies to the Bamgbose family, friends, colleagues and scholars across the world.
Professor Bamgbose, who was born on 27 January 1932, died on Saturday, 25 July 2026, at the age of 94.
The renowned scholar was Nigeria’s first Professor of Linguistics and the founding President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL). He was widely recognised for his pioneering work in linguistics and for advancing the study and preservation of indigenous African languages.
He received his early education in Nigeria before obtaining a doctorate in Linguistics from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1963.
Professor Bamgbose subsequently joined the University of Ibadan, where he built an illustrious academic career. He served as Dean of the Faculty of Arts between 1971 and 1973 and played a leading role in establishing linguistics as a recognised academic discipline in Nigeria.
Over a career spanning more than six decades, he made significant contributions to language policy, bilingual education, sociolinguistics, orthography development and the promotion of indigenous African languages, particularly Yoruba.
His scholarly works became standard reference materials in universities across Africa and other parts of the world. His advocacy for mother-tongue education also influenced educational policies aimed at preserving indigenous languages and strengthening cultural identity.
Beyond academia, Professor Bamgbose held leadership positions in several national, regional and international professional organisations. He mentored generations of linguists and researchers, many of whom have continued to advance scholarship on African languages.
His outstanding contributions to linguistics and African scholarship earned him numerous honours and awards. In 2022, he was honoured by the Yoruba World Centre and other academic institutions during the celebration of his 90th birthday in recognition of his enduring contributions to the development of the Yoruba language and African intellectual discourse.
Tributes have continued to pour in from academics, universities, cultural organisations, former students and professional bodies, with many describing him as an outstanding scholar, an exceptional teacher and a steadfast advocate for indigenous languages.
His contributions to scholarship, language policy and the promotion of African languages are widely regarded as enduring achievements that will continue to shape research, education and public policy for generations.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by his family.
