The University of Ilorin has announced the death of Professor Badmas Olanrewaju Yusuf, a distinguished Islamic scholar and Director of the Linguistic Immersion Centre.

Prof. Yusuf, who joined the University of Ilorin in 1991, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, after a brief illness at the age of 69. His funeral took place the following day at his ancestral home, Maimasa Compound, Oja-Gboro, Ilorin, following a Janazah prayer led by Shaykh Abdullahi AbdulHameed, the Imam Imale of Ilorin.

A respected cleric, scholar, and community leader, Prof. Yusuf served as the Dean of the Postgraduate School and was widely recognized for his expertise in Quranic Studies.

He also held key positions outside the University, including Chairman of the Ilorin Emirate Staff Association (IESA), Chairman of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (1992–1995), Provost of the Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, and Commissioner at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Prof. Yusuf was celebrated for his versatility and dedication to education, Islamic scholarship, and community service, leaving a lasting impact on both the University and the broader society.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, described the scholar’s passing as a profound loss to the institution, Islam, and humanity.

In a statement issued by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, Prof. Egbewole praised Prof. Yusuf as a hardworking and exemplary academic and administrator whose contributions will be remembered.

He extended condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, students, and mentees of the late scholar, urging them to find solace in the life of service and scholarship Prof. Yusuf led.

The Vice Chancellor prayed that Allah forgive any shortcomings of Prof. Yusuf and reward his lifelong dedication with Aljanat Firdaus.

Prof. Yusuf’s death marks the passing of a leading figure in Islamic scholarship and education in Nigeria.