Grief as UI professor, Pogoson passes away
The University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State, has announced the passing of its first female professor in the Department of Political Science, Prof. Aituaje Irene Pogoson.
Prof. Pogoson, 65, reportedly died at a private specialist hospital in Ibadan over the weekend. She was a renowned scholar in international relations and governance studies and a former Head of Department.
She delivered UI’s 545th Inaugural Lecture titled “The World in Transition: Understanding Power in the International Political System” on March 14, 2024.
The current Head of Department, Prof. Dhikru Adewale Yagboyaju, confirmed her death, describing it as “a great loss to the department, the university, and the academic community.”
Born in 1959, Prof. Pogoson earned her B.A. in History (1981) and later M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Political Science (1984, 1994) all from the University of Ibadan. She became the department’s first female lecturer and rose to the rank of professor through years of distinguished service.
She previously worked with the Presidential Panel on Nigeria Since Independence History Project (1981–2000) and later as a Policy Analyst with the Independent Policy Group (IPG), Abuja, between 2005 and 2007.
Prof. Pogoson was a member of several notable academic bodies, including CODESRIA, and served on the Advisory Council of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG).
She is survived by her husband, Prof. Ohioma Ifounu Pogoson of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, and three children.
Funeral arrangements, according to the family, will be announced later.
