Olayinka Akinpelu
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has announced the death of Prof. (Pastor) Elizabeth Abidemi Balogun, wife of the institution’s fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun.
Prof. Balogun reportedly died on Monday, 8 June 2026, at the age of 71, according to a statement issued by the Acting Head of FUNAAB’s Directorate of Public Relations, Olasunkanmi Olajide.
The late academic was a retired Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Ilorin and was renowned for her contributions to teaching, research and academic administration.
She also served in the Department of Biochemistry at FUNAAB, where she contributed to the advancement of biochemical sciences. Her research focused on biochemical toxicology and phytomedicine, particularly antimalarial drug development.
During her career, Prof. Balogun held several leadership positions, including Head of the Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences, and Head of the Department of Biochemistry.
She was a Fellow of the Nigerian Society for Experimental Biology and the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Reacting to the development, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, expressed sadness over her death, describing her as an accomplished scholar, devoted Christian, loving mother and a woman whose life was marked by excellence, humility and service to humanity.
According to him, her contributions to higher education, scientific research and the mentorship of young scholars would remain indelible.
The Vice-Chancellor said the university community shares in the grief of Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun and the entire family, praying for the fortitude to bear the loss and for the repose of her soul.
The family is expected to announce funeral arrangements in due course.
