President Muhammadu Buhari has joined family and friends of Babatunde Ogunnaike, a professor of more than 25 years and Dean of Engineering at Delaware University, in mourning the scholar.
Ogunnaike, who hailed from Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun, died on Sunday, February 20 at the age of 65.
Buhari’s condolence message was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He noted that Ogunnaike, who contributed significantly to the lines of the National Anthem, showed his patriotism and dedication to the wellbeing of the nation in the living words that daily reinforce the faith and spirit of Nigerians.
Buhari affirmed that as a scholar and administrator, Ogunnaike’s long hours of research, spanning into years, enhanced knowledge and understanding, and prepared generations for greater works.
The president prayed that the almighty God would receive the soul of Ogunnaike and comfort his family.