By: Ajadi Sodiq.

In a solemn ceremony held on Friday, January 12, 2024, distinguished figures from the academic realm, including the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, alongside several esteemed university lecturers, gathered to pay their last respects and participate in a tribute funeral service for the late Prof. Godwin Nwanzu Amahia. The poignant event unfolded at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan.

Prof. Godwin Nwanzu Amahia, a revered member of the Nigerian Statistical Association, International Association of Survey Statisticians, American Statistical Association, and International Biometric Society, had dedicated significant portions of his career in service to the University of Ibadan. Notably, he served as the Acting Head of the Department of Statistics for two separate terms, first from August 1, 2004, to August 1, 2006. Additionally, he contributed as an Associate Lecturer in the then African Regional Centre for Information Science (ARCIS), now the Department of Data and Information Science, during various academic sessions from 2000 to 2008.

Prof. Kayode Adebowale, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, expressed profound admiration for the late scholar, describing Prof. G. N. Amahia 

“Late Professor G. N. Amahia was an erudite scholar of international repute in his field of specialization (Sample Survey Methods). He had over fifty (50) publications to his credit. He supervised 16 Ph.D theses, one (1) M.Phil dissertation and many B.Sc. and M.Sc. projects, while he was in active service and while he was on contract appointment.”

Acknowledging his prolific contributions, Prof. Adebowale highlighted that Prof. Amahia authored over fifty publications, supervised 16 Ph.D. theses, one M.Phil dissertation, and numerous B.Sc. and M.Sc. projects during his tenure and contractual engagements.

Having concluded his dedicated service to the University of Ibadan in 2012, Prof. G. N. Amahia retired at the age of sixty-five, leaving behind a legacy of meritorious service and unwavering commitment to academic excellence.

The late Prof. Godwin Nwanzu Amahia is survived by his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Amahia, and their children. In this time of mourning, the academic community and his family join together to honor and remember a remarkable scholar and individual.