Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje, Nigeria’s first geography professor, has died.

He died in the early hours of Thursday, August 4. He was aged 90. 

Mabogunje, the first African president of the International Geographical Union, had served variously as member of the Western Nigerian Economic Advisory Council in 1967, member, Federal Public Service Review Commission, 1972, Chairman, Nigerian Council for Management Development, 1976 and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Ogun State University.

He was a distinguished and much-admired academician and educator, one who had ably demonstrated in theory, in teaching, and in practice, academic, professional, and administrative prowess in diverse fields and at national and international levels. His multi-dimensional capabilities, his multidisciplinary competencies, established him as a polymath. 

Mabogunje wrote “Urbanization in Nigeria” in 1968, which explored urbanisation and state formation in the country.

In 1999, he became the first African to be elected as a Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences.

Until his death at 90, Mabogunje was the Chairman of Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy and mentor to its founder, Tunji Olaopa.

The news of his passing was announced in a statement by the National President, Ibadan grammar school old students’s Association, Oladimeji Mako.

READ THE STATEMENT BELOW

Dear Mountaineers,

May I on behalf of the Registered Trustees, National Executive Committee and the Entire members of Ibadan Grammar School Old Students’ Association announce the home call of our Icon and Trustee, Professor Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje (1931- 2022)

Prof joined the Saint Trumphant this morning 4th of August 2022.

We send our condolences to the Family, the academic community and indeed Nigeria.

More details will be provided later.

Adieu

Oladimeji Mako
National President