Fountain University, Osogbo, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of eminent historian and cultural icon, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, describing his demise as a monumental loss to the nation’s academic community and Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

In a statement issued by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Olayinka Ramota Karim, the University commiserated with the family, colleagues, associates, and students of the late scholar, noting that Professor Oyeweso was not just a revered intellectual but a close friend and invaluable ally of Fountain University.

“Professor Oyeweso was a passionate advocate of scholarship, heritage preservation and societal development,” Professor Karim stated.

“He stood with Fountain University consistently, sharing ideas, inspiring our community, and contributing his voice and prestige to the advancement of our vision. His contributions remain etched in the history of our institution.”

The University recalled his strong relationship with its College of Arts and Education, which culminated in the formal institutionalisation of an Annual Cultural Day in his honour.

The maiden edition of the event, held in late June this year, celebrated Yoruba culture, heritage, scholarship, and youth engagement, values that aligned profoundly with Professor Oyeweso’s life work.

Professor Karim added that the timing of his passing, only months after the inaugural edition of the Cultural Day named after him, was a painful reminder of how precious and impactful his legacy is to the Fountain family.

She described the late scholar as “an intellectual beacon whose academic footprints transcended classrooms,” citing his role in mentoring young scholars, preserving African history, and promoting constructive dialogue through academia and community service.

Fountain University has pledged to sustain the Annual Cultural Day in his name as a living monument to his memory and a commitment to nurturing the ideals he championed—scholarship, cultural identity, moral values, and societal transformation.