By: Press Council
The Civil Engineering Department of The Polytechnic, Ibadan was plunged into deep sorrow on Monday, 26 January 2026, following the sudden death of one of its lecturers, Engr. Jayeola Adekunle.
The heartbreaking news sent shockwaves across the Faculty of Engineering, as both students and staff struggled to come to terms with the loss of a man widely regarded not only as a lecturer, but also as a father, mentor, and friend.
Confirming the incident in an interview with a Press Council correspondent, the President of the Civil Engineering Students’ Association, Comrade Enoch Subuloye, described the death as painful and unexpected.“According to what I heard from his relatives, he drove someone to the hospital this morning.
After returning home, he complained of stomach ache, and that was all,” Comrade Subuloye said, his voice heavy with grief.Beyond the classroom, Engr. Jayeola Adekunle was widely admired for his warm personality and uncommon humility as students saw him as a lecturer who always made time for them, regardless of their background, academic standing, or personal struggles, his office door, they say, was never closed to anyone in need.
“Engr. Jaiye was our coordinator during my National Diploma days,” Comrade Subuloye recalled. “He loved having students around him, He was very jovial and loving and any student could easily approach him because he was never the type to chase students away.”
Just days before his death, Engr. Adekunle was actively involved in student activities, On the saturday prior to his death, he was reportedly on campus where he provided tools used for a clean-up exercise organised by Civil Engineering students in collaboration with the department’s alumni at the South Assembly Hall — an act many now remember as a final reflection of his selfless commitment to the department.
Engr. Jayeola Adekunle had also served the department in various leadership capacities, including as a coordinator, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, service, and compassion.
He is survived by family members, colleagues, and countless students whose lives he touched during his years of service.
He was laid to rest later in the evening according to Islamic rites at his hometown, Ilula, around Okeho.As tributes continue to pour in, the Civil Engineering Department and the entire Polytechnic community mourn the loss of a rare soul whose impact will not be forgotten.
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