OYO: Longest-serving Classics lecturer in UI, Henry Nigel, dies at 71

AFTER spending over 40 years in the oldest ivory tower in Nigeria, the longest-serving lecturer of the University of Ibadan, Henry Nigel, has passed away. He was 71.

A statement by the Department of Classics on Sunday noted that the influence of Henry was immense and immeasurable as every current member of staff of the Department is his former student.

The statement read in part, “With a deep sense of sorrow the Department of Classics announces the passing of Mr. Nigel Henry which regrettable event occurred on the night of 30 January, 2021, at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

“Mr. Henry, our longest-serving academic member of staff, who spent over four decades nurturing students in the various sub-disciplines of Classics, especially in Greek and Latin languages and literature, was an outstanding student of the highest order.

“He took the M.A. (Classics) with First Class Honours (1969-73) from the University of St. Andrews, and the B. Phil in Classics (1973-75) from the University of Oxford.

“Mr. Henry brought to Ibadan the best traditions of Classical scholarship, having been taught by such eminently acclaimed scholars like Sir Kenneth Dover and Prof. Hugh Lloyd- Jones.

“Every current member of staff of the Department is a former student of Mr. Henry.”