The Chairman of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVC), Prof Is'haq Oloyede, has mourned the death of Prof. Sofoluwe. 

Reacting to Sofoluwe's death, Oloyed told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the telephone, that the CVC was sad.

He said: "The Committee of Vice-Chancellors is deeply hurt by his sudden death." 

Oloyede, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), said the committee would miss Sofoluwe's contributions to the growth of academic development.

He said: "It is very painful that he left us at this crucial time that we are all building a virile and stable academic environment for the advancement of education in our country." 

The UNILORIN Vice-Chancellor said Sofoluwe's death came to the CVC as "shocking and unbelievable".

Oloyede prayed God to grant the immediate family, the university community and the CVC the fortitude to bear the loss and grant the late academic eternal rest.

A cross-section of the academic workers, who spoke with NAN, described Sofoluwe's death as an irreparable loss and a colossal tragedy to the academic world.

Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, Head, Mass Communication Department, UNILAG, described the death as a big tragedy not only to the institution but also to the entire academic world.

He said: "We have lost a great man who lived all his life by example. We will miss a gentle, harmless and prolific leader who tried to transform Unilag, especially in the area of Information Communication Technology." The Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, described the late Sofoluwe as an excellent administrator who did his best for his community.

"How do I begin to describe such a man? He was a man with a heart of gold, an academia of international repute and an excellent administrator.

"Here was a man who had time for everybody, no matter how busy he was. I must say that in all my years in this institution, I have hardly seen anyone who would always wear smiles on his face and would always be ready to assist," Oyewo said.

He noted that the late vice-chancellor created an environment of peace.

"I am particularly thrilled that, even when at meetings with him, he would ensure that everyone was given time to say something.

"This to a large extent has created an atmosphere of peace and resulted in the steady academic calendar we now enjoy.

"The harmony he had created between the staff, students and the various labour unions in the community is unparallel. We have lost a gem and I am personally devastated," Oyewo said.

Prof. Duro Oni, a member of the institution's governing council between 2007 and 2011, described Sofoluwe's death as "very very sad".

Oni added: "Prof. Sofoluwe was a very friendly man who demystified the office of the vice-chancellor and was willing to offer help to everybody that came his way.

"He was a silent achiever; he was not a boss, but a friendly man who related very well with all staff and the university community.

"I hope government would immortalise him because this is the first time a vice chancellor died while in office," he said. 

Also speaking with NAN, a former vice-chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, described Sofoluwe as an "inspiring friend and brother" who would be missed by the university community.

"It is a very sad situation. I know that the university will be totally destabilised, but l think that is the way God wants it," Obe, vice-chancellor of the institution between 2002 and 2007, said.

The General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Dr. Daniel Olukoya commiserated with the Sofoluwe family.

He said the late Vice-Chancellor was a friend of the ministry and a lover of God.

The cleric added that Sofoluwe was very supportive with logistics, accommodation and other things, especially for youths.

"Indeed, the nation has lost a gem and the University of Lagos at this point has lost one of its leading lights.

"We pray that the Almighty God grant the Sofoluwe family the fortitude to bear the loss." Olukoya said.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) described as "devastating" the death of the UNILAG Vice-Chancellor. 

ASUU President, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the telephone that Sofoluwe's death was shocking and a monumental loss to the entire academic world.

He said: "We are indeed saddened and upset about the loss of this fine gentleman of very rare human qualities.

"Here was an erudite scholar, an administrator per excellence, an amiable person and a delight to work with.