Authorities of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti have described the death of the first female Professor of Yoruba Studies in the world and former Sole Administrator of the defunct College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti (now Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology), Prof. Omotayo Olutoye as a huge loss to humanity at large.
Speaking on behalf the University authorities, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Adeoluwa said that the departed Amazon was a distinguished scholar, a bridge-builder, a force to reckon with in public service and an epitome of excellence who made wonderful exploits in many facets of human endeavours.
He noted that as one of the pioneer lecturers, she helped to nurture the defunct College from teething stage and when she was appointed as the Sole Administrator, the greatness of the institution was her topmost priority.
He commiserated with the Olutoye royal dynasty and the entire Idoani kingdom over the unfortunate development and prayed God to grant her eternal rest. Meanwhile, a condolence register has been opened in her honour in the University for members of staff and sympathisers to express their condolences.
Born on October 15, 1935, Prof. Omotayo Olutoye bagged the B.A (Ed) degree in Yoruba from the University of Lagos, Master of Arts degree in Linguistics from the University of Leeds and a Doctorate degree in Yoruba from the University of Lagos. She joined the services of the then College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti (now Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti) on January 1, 1979 as a Principal Lecturer in the Department of Languages.
She served as Head of Department, Languages from 1979-1981 and Head, Division of Arts (Equivalent of a Dean) between 1981 and 1982. Following the establishment of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti) in 1983, she resigned from the College to join the services of the University where she became the first female Professor of Yoruba Studies in the world.
In 1995, she was appointed by the Ondo State Government as the Sole Administrator of the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti (now BOUESTI) and held sway in that capacity till 1997.
A fearless administrator and stickler to excellence, the Ilogbo-Ekiti born quintessential educationist had many scholarly publications to her credit and ardently promoted the study of yoruba language. She was a staunch member of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria and a member of the National Political Reform Conference during the regime of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
She breathed her last on July 22, 2023 at the age of 88.