Dr Pius Osunyikanmi, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps and ex-Ondo State Commissioner for Education, has died at 55.
He reportedly died on Saturday after a protracted illness, Starnews reported, citing a family source.
Osunyikanmi was also a close ally and political adviser to former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko.
He headed the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps from August 15, 2013, to August 22, 2023. Former President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him in 2013, and former President Muhammadu Buhari reappointed him in 2018.
“A distinguished son of Ile-Oluji”
Confirming the death in a condolence message on Saturday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo Constituency of Ondo State, Rotimi Akinwamide, described him 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 life was marked by dedication to education, public administration and national service, and that his contributions to education, governance and national development would remain part of his legacy.
He said the death was a loss to Ile-Oluji, the Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency, Ondo State and all who had worked with him.
Akinwamide extended condolences to the family, friends, political associates and people of Ile-Oluji.
“May the Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give all those he has left behind the courage to endure this difficult moment,” he said.
