A former Ondo State Commissioner for Education and ex-Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps, Dr Pius Osunyikanmi, is dead.
Osunyikanmi reportedly died on Saturday at the age of 55 after a protracted illness, according to a report by Starnews, which quoted a family source.
The former director-general was also a close ally and political adviser to former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko.
Confirming his death in a condolence message on Saturday, the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Constituency of Ondo State, Rotimi Akinwamide, described the deceased as “a distinguished son of Ile-Oluji, an accomplished academic, an experienced public servant, and a notable figure in Nigeria’s political and administrative landscape”.
Akinwamide said Osunyikanmi’s career was marked by contributions to education, public administration and national service.
“Dr. Osunyikanmi’s life was marked by dedication to education, public administration, and national service,” the statement read.
He added that the deceased’s passing was a loss to Ile-Oluji, the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency, Ondo State and those who had worked with him.
Osunyikanmi served as director-general of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps from August 15, 2013, to August 22, 2023, according to the report.
He was first appointed to the position by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013 and reappointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.
The condolence message described his contributions to education, governance and national development as part of his enduring legacy.
“Dr. Osunyikanmi’s contributions to education, governance, and national development will remain part of the story of his life,” Akinwamide said.
He extended condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, political associates and the people of Ile-Oluji, praying for strength and comfort for those mourning him.
“May the Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give all those he has left behind the courage to endure this difficult moment,” the statement added.