In Loving Memory of a Distinguished Engineer, father, and grandfather. November 3, 1940 – June 30, 2025
We celebrate and honor the life and legacy of a devoted educator, engineer, and servant-leader who demonstrated perseverance, excellence, and unwavering dedication to uplifting others.
Born in Odoyanta, Ogun State, on November 3, 1940, he was raised in a Christian home that instilled in him the values of integrity, diligence, and humility. His educational journey began in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where, despite the limited resources of the time, he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1955.
In 1958, he was admitted to Mayflower School in Ikenne, a pioneering institution known for its high academic standards and discipline. His brilliance in mathematics and science set him apart and laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of excellence. In 1962, he scored in the top five percent worldwide on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), which earned him a full scholarship to study in the United States.
He began his higher education at Saint Benedict’s College in Atchison, Kansas, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He continued with a pre-engineering program at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, before advancing to the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR), currently known as Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, where he earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering and Management.
He began his professional career in the United States, holding key positions in several construction companies, where he contributed to large-scale projects as a Cost Estimator, Field Engineer, and Project Manager. However, his deep sense of purpose and commitment to national development led him back to Nigeria in 1973.
Upon his return, he assumed a senior academic position at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a leading institution. He later served as a Project Manager in the construction sector. In 1979, he joined the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, where he became the founding Head of the Department of Civil Engineering. His impact continued as the founding Dean of the School of Engineering and Environmental Studies, and later, as the Director of Consultancy and Applied Research. For two decades, he was frequently appointed Acting Rector, a position rarely entrusted to non-indigenes—a testament to his integrity, leadership, and the respect he commanded.
He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), a registered member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (FICE). These honors reflected his profound commitment to professional excellence and ethical standards in the field of engineering practice.
After a long and impactful career, he voluntarily retired in 1999, giving glory to God for all he had accomplished.
He is survived by his children, Dr. Oluyomi Olusanya, Mrs. Olufolakemi Ediale, Mrs. Olufemi Domkap, Mrs. Olaide Owoloye, Mr. Olumide Olusanya, Mrs. Olubukola Essien, Mrs. Olufeyi Olusanya, and Mr. Oluseyi Olusanya, as well as 15 grandchildren who lovingly remember and forever cherish him.
His legacy lives on through the many lives he mentored, the institutions he helped shape, and the values he modeled with humility, excellence, and faith.
May his soul rest in perfect peace.
