Prof Francis Gordon Idon Omiunu

In loving memory of Professor FGI Omiunu, forever cherished, deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Obituary

With deep sadness, but gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of Professor Francis Gordon Idon Omiunu on 25 May 2026. Professor Francis Gordon Idon Omiunu was born on 7 July 1943 at Oke Old Site, Ora, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

A gifted student from an early age, Professor FGI Omiunu pursued his education with determination and distinction. After his early schooling in Ora, Sabongida-Ora, Benin and Owo, he graduated from the University of Ife with a B.A. Honours degree in Geography in 1971. He later obtained an M.A. in Transport Geography from York University, Toronto, Canada, and a PhD in Geography from the University of Benin.

Professor FGI Omiunu’s life was defined by teaching, scholarship and service. His career began in the classroom, and over more than five decades, he taught at the primary, secondary, military, and university levels. He served at the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Nigerian Military School before joining the University of Benin in 1978, where he rose to the rank of Professor of Geography and Regional Planning in 1992. He taught and mentored generations of students, supervised numerous postgraduate theses, published widely, and earned international recognition as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

He was also a man of deep faith, a devoted husband to Professor Stella Ebun Omiunu, a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher and community figure. He served his church faithfully and remained closely connected to his home community of Ora.
Above all, Professor FGI Omiunu’s life was a life of labour, discipline, learning and service. His influence continues in his family, his students, his colleagues, his community, and in all those whose lives were touched by the knowledge he gave, the values he modelled, and the example he left behind. 

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