The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has commiserated with the family of the late Prof. Olu Longe, Nigeria’s first Professor of Computer Science, who passed on last week, aged 88 years.
The late Professor Longe, who hailed form Ikere Ekiti, was renowned for his pioneering role in the study of Computer Science in the country and for exploring the relationship between Ifa and Computer Science in his inaugural lecture in 1983.
Governor Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, described the late Professor as a great scholar who revolutionised the study of Computer Science in the country, which laid the foundation for the digitalisation process.
The Governor said he was saddened by Prof Longe’s demise which came around the same time the state lost another renowned Scholar, a Professor of History and former President of the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN), Prof Benjamin Olatunji Oloruntimehin.
He described Prof Alonge, who was a product of Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, as an exemplar, who had inspired many to work hard, dream big and dare to be great.
Fayemi said: “As the founding Head of the Department of Computer Science, University of Ibadan in 1974, Prof Longe was credited with nurturing the first crop of Computer Science graduates that laid the foundation for computerisation in the country. This academic feat placed him in an exclusive class of very renowned pace setters in the academics and builders of modern Nigeria.
“Prof Longe was not just a teacher and scholar, he was a renowned scientist, an innovator and mentor to generations of scientists. His pioneering role in his chosen field inspired many younger scholars, and indeed many Ekiti born academics.
“Another illustrious son of Ekiti, who earned honour and greatness by dint of hard work, dedication, integrity and brilliance has departed. While we will miss his presence here with us, we celebrate a life of excellence that was well spent in the service of humanity.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, the land of honour, we commiserate with the immediate family of the late Prof Longe, the Ikere Ekiti community, and the Christ’s School Old Students Association, and pray that God grants the departed eternal rest.”
