Ajayi Crowther Varsity mourns Nigeria’s first linguistics professor

Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo is mourning the death of Professor Emeritus Ayo Bamgbose, who passed away on July 25, 2026, at the age of 94. Professor Bamgbose was a towering intellectual figure and Nigeria's first Professor of Linguistics, whose work profoundly shaped the field of linguistic studies across Nigeria and the African continent.

The university lauded Bamgbose for his groundbreaking research and lifelong dedication to developing linguistics, indigenous languages, and education. In a condolence letter, the Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Prof. Ebunoluwa Oduwole, described him as "a titan whose influence spanned generations and continents." She added, "As the first Professor of Linguistics in Nigeria, he did not merely occupy a chair – he built the discipline itself. His works remain timeless classics that continue to illuminate the structural beauty of our indigenous languages."

Beyond his global academic reputation, Bamgbose played a crucial role in the establishment and development of Ajayi Crowther University. His involvement began in 1999 when he represented the St. Andrews College Old Boys Association (SACOBA) on the Governing Council of St. Andrew’s College of Education, Oyo. His contributions were instrumental in the college's transformation into a full-fledged university.

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a titan whose influence spanned generations and continents.

He later served on the Implementation Committee, specifically the Planning and Technical Committee, contributing to the Academic Brief that led to Ajayi Crowther University being granted its license on January 7, 2005. Bamgbose continued to serve on the university's inaugural Governing Council from 2005 to 2014. The university stated that his contributions to its academic foundation, governance, and identity were immeasurable.

The university also recognized Bamgbose's leadership as President of SACOBA, during which he led the association in donating the SACOBA House and National Secretariat to the St. Andrew’s Campus of ACU, a gesture reflecting his enduring commitment to educational development. His passing is considered a significant loss to the academic community and a departure of a foundational pillar for Ajayi Crowther University.

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As the first Professor of Linguistics in Nigeria, he did not merely occupy a chair – he built the discipline itself. His works remain timeless classics that continue to illuminate the structural beauty of our indigenous languages.