His passing was announced in the early hours of Saturday, July 25, 2026, by the Centre for Yoruba Studies at the University of Ibadan. The centre also opened a condolence register in his honour, inviting colleagues, students and admirers to pay their last respects.
Born on January 27, 1932, Bamgbose was widely recognised as Nigeria’s first Professor of Linguistics and one of Africa’s leading authorities on language studies. Throughout his distinguished academic career, he played a pivotal role in advancing the study, preservation and development of indigenous African languages, with particular emphasis on the Yoruba language.
His contributions extended beyond academic research to education, language policy and curriculum development in Nigeria and across the African continent. He was a strong advocate for the use of indigenous languages in education and consistently argued that African languages should be accorded the same status as foreign languages in teaching, governance and national development.
Bamgbose authored and co-authored numerous influential books and scholarly publications on linguistics, sociolinguistics, bilingual education and language planning. His works became standard references in universities across Africa and beyond, earning him widespread recognition, numerous honours and leadership positions in several national and international professional bodies.
He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters and held memberships in several prestigious academic associations. Over the years, he received multiple national and international awards in recognition of his outstanding contributions to scholarship, language development and cultural preservation.
For decades, Bamgbose remained a respected voice in linguistic scholarship, mentoring generations of academics while championing the promotion of indigenous languages as essential tools for education, cultural identity and national development. His influence shaped the careers of many scholars who have continued his work in language research and policy.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from academics, students, cultural organisations and admirers, who described him as an exceptional intellectual whose work transformed the field of linguistics and strengthened the status of African languages.
The Centre for Yoruba Studies at the University of Ibadan described his death as a monumental loss to the academic community, noting that his dedication to the preservation and promotion of African languages would remain an enduring source of inspiration. The condolence register opened by the centre is expected to provide an avenue for members of the public to honour his memory.
Professor Ayo Bamgbose leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a pioneering linguist, educator and advocate for indigenous languages. His lifelong commitment to scholarship, cultural preservation and the advancement of African languages will continue to inspire researchers, educators and policymakers for generations to come.
