It is with profound sadness but gratitude to God that I recieved the news of the passing of my academic mentor and teacher, Professor Philip Aigbona Igbafe who transited on 26 April 2021 after an enriching and fulfilling life well lived in service of humanity.
I first encountered Professor Igbafe when I matriculated in 1984. As Dean of Faculty of Arts from 1982-86 and head of the Department of History from 1986 till I graduated in 1988, Professor Igbafe showed me the true meaning of dedication, scholarship and academic excellence. Despite holding political and administrative positions, he continued to teach and supervise thesis and projects even at undergraduate level. He supported me and gave me useful materials for the research for my BA thesis.
A brave scholar who questioned and vigorously resisted biased and Eurocentric analysis of the history our people, Professor Igbafe leaves an indelible mark and a huge gap in the field which will be difficult if not impossible to fill by coming generation of historians. On behalf the class of 1988 of the University of Benin history program, I condole the family and the academic communities of the University of Benin and Benson Idahosa University . May his gentle soul rest in peace. Dan Oshodin