Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (EAUED), Oyo, has joined the growing list of institutions mourning the passing of Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose, describing the late scholar as one of its most distinguished alumni and a towering figure in Nigerian linguistics.

In a statement issued on Saturday through the University’s Media and Public Relations Officer, ‘Wale Adeoye, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan, expressed deep sadness over the death of the renowned academic, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the age of 94.

Professor Olaniyan described the late Emeritus Professor Bamgbose as a source of pride to the university, tracing his academic roots to the institution when it was known as St. Andrew’s College, Oyo. Between 1948 and 1951, Bamgbose studied at the college, where he obtained his Grade II Teachers Certificate, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most distinguished academic careers in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that Professor Bamgbose remained closely connected to the institution throughout his lifetime and was honoured by the university during the inauguration of the Alaafin Institute of Yoruba Studies. According to him, the recognition turned out to be the final award the celebrated linguist received before his passing.

“As one of our worthy alumni and someone who contributed immensely to the development of Yoruba studies, he was one of our awardees at the inauguration of the Alaafin Institute of Yoruba Studies. It was the last award received on earth by the doyen of language. He was a pride to us,” Professor Olaniyan said.

On behalf of the University’s Governing Council, Senate, staff and students, the Vice-Chancellor extended condolences to the Bamgbose family and the wider Emmanuel Alayande University Alumni community, praying for the peaceful repose of the late scholar.

Born on January 27, 1932, Emeritus Professor Ayo Bamgbose is widely regarded as Nigeria’s first Professor of Linguistics. His academic journey took him from St. Andrew’s College to the University of Ibadan, where he graduated with a Second Class Upper Division B.A. (Hons) in English from the University of London in 1960.

He later proceeded to the University of Edinburgh, earning a Diploma in General Linguistics in 1961 before completing his PhD in 1963 with a thesis titled A Study of Structures and Classes in the Grammar of Modern Yoruba.

That same year, he joined the University of Ibadan as a lecturer, rising rapidly through the academic ranks to become Senior Lecturer in 1966 and Professor in 1968. Following his retirement, he was honoured with the title of Professor Emeritus, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to scholarship, teaching and research.

Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Bamgbose became one of Africa’s foremost authorities on linguistics and Yoruba language studies. His research, publications and advocacy for indigenous languages influenced generations of scholars and helped shape language policy, education and linguistic scholarship across Nigeria and beyond.

His death has continued to draw tributes from universities, professional bodies, former students and academics, many of whom have described him as a visionary scholar whose work transformed the study of African languages and secured his place among Nigeria’s most celebrated intellectuals.