ASUU mourns as University lecturer slumps, dies

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been thrown into mourning as a lecturer at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State, Dr Gilbert Ibitola, reportedly died on Friday at his residence.

It was gathered that the deceased, who worked at the Department of Physical Sciences, slumped in his house and gave up the ghost shortly after.

The real cause of the death has not been ascertained as of time of filing this report.

Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, OAUSTECH chapter, Dr Dipo Komolafe, who confirmed the incident on Sunday, described it as a tragedy to the entire university community.

He described the late 58-year-old lecturer as a brilliant scholar and a great physicist, who devoted his life time to teaching, research and community service.

He said, “With deep regret but total submission to the will of God, the ASUU, OAUSTECH chapter, announces the sudden, painful and shocking death of one of our members, Dr Gilbert Ibitola.

“He reportedly slumped and died in his apartment on Friday. Until his death, he was a senior lecturer in the Department of Physical Sciences and he was once the acting and pioneer Head of Department.

“Ibitola was a brilliant scholar and great physicist who devoted his life time to teaching, research and community service, which contributed immensely to the growth and development of the department and the university at large.”