Prof Aderemi Oluyomi Kuku, (1941 - 2022) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Surely the memory of Aderemi Oluyomi Kuku will be with us forever.

This memorial website was created in memory of our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle - Prof Aderemi Oluyomi Kuku. We love you, miss you, and will continue to remember. Rest in Peace...

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March 13, 2023

I am greatly saddened by loss of Professor Aderemi Kuku, a great mathematician and a wonderful friend. I had the honor of meeting Prof. Kuku at ICTP (Trieste) TWAS and began a deep friendship nurtured by our common mathematical research interests and passion for service to humanity, especially higher education in Africa. I have warm memories of Prof. Aderemi Kuku and family visiting me in Bonn, while I was at Max Planck Institute, and an official invitation to lecture in the topology seminar at UW Madison during my time as a faculty member. I called him affectionately Kuku, and his kind smile opened my heart each time I called him. My dear friend Kuku, I shall miss you forever. My sympathies to Mrs. Kuku and family.

April 25, 2022

I remember meeting Professor Kuku more than 30 years ago during mathematical activities in Africa and many times since then. He was so enthusiastic for mathematics, and science in general, and so active for the scientific community, and so friendly and encouraging. He has always supported the development of initiatives for mathematics in Africa, and specially the efforts for women in mathematiics. He was so full of positive energy. I miss him a lot.

April 20, 2022

TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR ADEREMI KUKU
The death of Professor Aderemi Kuku, a senior colleague, an elder brother, a senior friend, is a painful end to a journey of almost five decades!
I never imagined I will be writing this so soon.
You were my elder brother through my divine friendship with your brother Professor Titi Kuku in our undergraduate days. Since then you became my academic role model!
I had been the beneficiary of the relationship.
Where do I start?
Worthy of mention is that you not only supported me to be elected as President of African Mathematical Union, but stood by me throughout my tenure.
You were my senior friend!
In my heart you'll always be;
I wish we never had to part.
But now I have to let you rest in the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So now this is my goodbye...
May the love and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ abide with his wife, children, family and friends. Amen.

Bishop Adewale Solarin, FMAN, FPNGMS, FNMS,
Professor of Mathematics,
President, AMU-PAMO Commission;
COMSATS Distinguished Professor of Mathematics;
UNESCO Chair of Mathematics;
Former Director/CEO, National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, Nigeria;
Former Member, Scientific Board, IBSP-UNESCO, Paris;
Former President, African Mathematical Union;
Chairman, Board of Trustee, Association of Nigerian Women in Mathematics.

April 19, 2022

A Tribute to Professor Aderemi Oluyomi Kuku

In March 1941, a Neutron star descended upon Itantebo, Ijebu Ode. No one could have predicted that this star would grow in geometric progression into a large shining star. From Itantebo, the star took off and encircled the universe, making stops at Lagos, Kampala, Ife, Ibadan, New York, Italy, Louisiana, China, Abuja and many other cities and countries around the world. By the time Professor Kuku came back home to take his final bow, he had morphed from a Neutron to a gigantic Pistol Star, recognised all over the globe for his intellectual rigour.

My Uncle, Professor Kuku, was a man of conviction and a firm believer in hard work. He distinguished himself in one of the most challenging areas of human endeavour - Mathematics. He was a Professor of Professors who left his footprint in the sands of times. He was a pride to the Kuku Family, Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria, Africa and the Black race. He took the Kuku name and made it a household name in the most prestigious ivory towers worldwide. He also dispelled the lies of white supremacy about the inferiority of the black race through his razor-sharp mind, thereby bringing racial pride to the black race.

He helped me out at a particular time in my life when I faced racism at work in the UK. My mother asked me to speak to Uncle, and when I called him, he gave me valuable advice on dealing with racism at the workplace and put the racism faced by blacks like me in the west into perspective.

Thanks for your contribution to humanity, and Rest in Power.

Ahmed Olayinka Sule

April 12, 2022

I have heard so much about Professor Kuku (having read his popular book - Abstract Algebra) before I came in contact with him during the Conference on Computer Science, Algebra and Applications held at Universite du Ougadougou, Burkina Faso in 1997 where he was one of the two Major Speakers. I have since met him in many other Conferences including the last one which was the 2018 International Congress of Mathematicians held at Rio, Brazil. He was very passionate about the development of Mathematics in Africa and Nigeria in particular. He was able to motivate many budding Mathematicians into becoming big wigs now in Mathematics across continents. Professor Kuku would travel to the end of the earth even when he was over 70 to attend Mathematics meetings. One of such meeting was held at the University of Goroka, Paupa New Guinea in 2014. It was a huge surprise for me to have met him at that Conference as it took a lot of efforts to convince me to attend that conference due to the distance from Nigeria despite full sponsorship.
I am certain he was instrumental to my appointment as an Associate of the Abdus Salam ICTP during his tenure as a Resident Mathematician at ICTP. For this I remain eternally grateful.
Although Professor Kuku has transited to the great beyond he has been able to leave his marks on the sand of times.
May his soul rest in perfect peace. May the Balm of Gilead comfort his immediate family and his other loved ones.

Olusola Adeniran
Professor of Mathematics (Algebra)

April 12, 2022

Aderemi Kuku, The Mathematics community salute you. Your contribution was great.
Johann Engelbrecht, University of Pretoria, South Africa

April 8, 2022

TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR ADEREMI OLAYOMI KUKU, FAS
Professor Aderemi Kuku, FAS, a dear friend and colleague of many years, a great scholar of global dimension, well known across nations as a mathematician of high repute, has been called home to be with the Lord.
He lived a focused life, devotedly used his time, intellect and resources to serve God and mankind and for whatever he believed in that is true and honorable. A truly family man, devoted to his wife, Dr. Funke Kuku, children and family.
He took his friendship seriously and demands loyalty reciprocally. The world would miss him for he has left giant foot prints in the sand of time. He chose mathematics as his discipline quite early and pursed it with all his energy and attained great heights , and earning a PhD from University of Ibadan, He became a professor of mathematics at the University of Ibadan, Dean of the Post Graduate School. He is well known across the globe as a great mathematician, He have raised many generations of students who have became giants in the field of mathematic, He later moved to the International centre for Theoretical Physics at Trieste, an establishment, created by Nobel Prizel Winner in Physics, Professor Abdul Salam. This is an Institute where only the best in the world of mathematics and physics dared to tread to carry out research in mathematics and physics also taught Associates and Colleagues which he did excellently and efficiently. After more than ten years at Trieste, he moved to the Institute of Advanced Studies at Princeton USA, where Professor Albert Einstein once also worked, He was well sought after as a scholar and taught mathematics at many Institutions in the USA of America. An International Conference on mathematics – K theory in particular was called to celebrate his achievements in mathematics in China for his 70th Birthday, He has won the Nigeria nation’s highest prize for science. He was elected President of Africa Mathematics Union and served has President Africa Science Academy He was a fellow of the Nigeria Academy of science. With such an impactful life, we must all give thanks to God to have been privileged to share in his exemplary life with a big foot print in the sand of time, Our deep condolence goes to his widow Dr Funke Kuku, the family and the many people across the globe for the loss of a rare gem in scholarship and steadfastness, of true devotion to God and service to mankind. He is recognized at home with an Otunba title from the Awujale of Ijebu.
He will surely be missed, but would live eternally in our heats for his friendship and good deeds
Professor & Princess G.B. Ogunmola.

April 4, 2022

I first came in contact with late Professor Kuku as an undergraduate student of mathematics in October 1980. He taught my class several maths courses including abstract and linear algebra, commutative algebra, group and rings, and others. He later became the sitting head of department when I was graduating in July 1984. A talented and dedicated teacher of mathematics.

He was instrumental to my appointment as a Regular Associate of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy (ICTP) during his tenure as a Resident Mathematician at ICTP. Prof Kuku was also instrumental to my appointment as a postdoctoral fellow at ICTP after my PhD program in Jan 1999. He contributed immensely to my professional development as a young researcher and scholar.

I pray that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God the Father and the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ comforts the family, the widow, the children and the entire mathematical community in Nigeria and abroad left behind by Professor Aderemi Kuku. In Jesus name.

Ezekiel Olusola Ayoola, PhD,
Professor of Mathematics & Deputy
Vice Chancellor, (Administration)
University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

April 1, 2022

Death is sometimes referred as reminder, it reminds us that we are dust, we are taking out of dust, and the dust will our bodies returns, death remind us that we are not on earth forever, but temporarily, Prof you have fulfill your part, we asked God to grant you eternal rest, bye Prof Aderemi Kuku

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Opening ceremony AAS-AMU Pan African Science Olympiad - ECOWAS Secretariat, Abuja

His Life

Prof Aderemi Oluyomi Kuku

March 3, 2022

Prof Aderemi Oluyomi Kuku (Ph.D, FAMS (USA), FTWAS, FAAS, FAS(Nig), FMAN, OON, NNOM) was born in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria on March 20, 1941. He obtained his B.Sc (Special Honours) Mathematics degree of the University of London in 1965; M.Sc (Mathematics) in 1968 , Ph.D (Mathematics) 1971 ;both from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria with his Ph.D thesis written at Columbia University, New York, USA, under Professor Hyman Bass.

He had a long teaching/research career at the University of Ibadan , Nigeria where he became full Professor of Mathematics in 1982, Head, Mathematics Department, 1983-86, Dean, Postgraduate school, 1986-90, and Chairman, Committee of Deans of Postgraduate Schools in Nigerian Universities, 1986-90.

He was Professor of mathematics at the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, (ICTP) (a United Nations Research Centre for Mathematics and physics) 1995-2003 and was the William. W. S. Claytor Endowed Professor of Mathematics at the Grambling State University, Grambling Louisiana, USA.

He held many visiting positions at highly reputable Universities and Research Centres in the USA, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, China and Nigeria including: Member, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, NJ, USA, Visiting Research Professor, Mathematical Sciences Research Institute(MSRI), Berkeley, CA, USA; Visiting Professor, Cornell University , Ohio State University, Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada; Universitat Bielefeld, Max-Planck Institut fur Mathematik, Bonn, both in Germany; University of Goteborg, Sweden; Institut des Hautes Etudes Scientifiques (IHES) Paris, France; University of Hong-Kong ; Institute of Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; National Mathematics Center, Abuja. Moreover, he gave numerous invited colloquia/seminar lectures and organized numerous conferences/workshops/symposia all over the world.

Professor Kuku was one of the world leaders in several aspects of K-theory and connections to commutative and non-commutative Algebra/Number theory/Geometry/Representation theory -a contemporary and multidisciplinary subject that also have applications in mathematical physics, Dynamical systems, Econometrics and Control theory. He had 85 publications made up of 52 research articles in highly reputable journals; 10 books/monographs and 23 articles on topical issues in mathematics, science, and technology.

Professor Kuku was President of the African Mathematical Union (AMU) for nine years (1986-95) Member of the International Mathematical Union Commission on Development and Exchange for eight years (1986-94), Vice Chairman, First Congress of African Scientists, Brazaville, 1987 and so on.

Professor Kuku was a recipient of several honours: He was a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society, (2012-2022); Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) (1989 -2022) European Academy of Arts, Science and Humanities (1986 -2022 ) African Academy of Sciences(AAS) (1986 -2022 ) Nigerian Academy of sciences (1989 -2022 ) Foreign fellow, Mongolian Academy of Sciences (2005 -2022); Honorary President (AMU) for life;(1995-2022 );Fellow of the Mathematical association of Nigeria,(MAN) (1987-2022); Nigeria National Honours: OON (Officer of the Order of the Niger) 2008;NNOM (Nigerian National Order of Merit) 2009; — the highest honour in Nigeria for academic excellence. Professor Kuku served as the President of The African Academy of Sciences (The AAS) from 2014 to 2017.

An International conference on “Algebraic K-theory and its applications” March 17-21 2011 was organised by Nanjing University, China in honour of his 70th birthday, and a special issue of the Journal of K-theory, Volume 12, no 1, published by the Cambridge University Press, UK appeared as Proceedings of the conference.

In recognition of his many achievements and diverse contributions to community development, he was also honoured by the Awujale of Ijebuland and endowed with a chieftaincy title of Otunba Ofiran of Ijebuland in 1993.

Prof Kuku is survived by his wife – Dr (Mrs) Felicia Osifunke Kuku (a former commissioner in Ogun State(1987-1992)); children (Dolapo, Kemi, Yemisi and Solape) and grandchildren.

Burial arrangements will be announced later by the family.

Tribute to Prof Aderemi Oluyomi Kuku

May 4, 2022

TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR ADEREMI OLUYOMI KUKU.FTWAS,FAAS,FAS ,FMAN, OON,NNOM

I have known Professor Kuku for about 20years.I was even with him three days before his transition as he battled with the pains and discomfort brought about by his illhealth .

His death is a painful and manumental loss to the family, Nigeria and indeed the entire world of Mathematics, including Higher academic institutions , research centres, professional societies and his home town,Ijebuode, which he cherished so much.

He was an icon, a hero and well decorated Professor of Mathematics . Through his love ,dedication and commitment to his profession, he was able to contribute immensely to worldwide development and advancement of the theory and practical applications of Mathematics,especially in the area of Algebraic K theory. His contributions were well recognised and rewarded with conferment of many awards and honours from Professional Societies, Nigeria, USA, Europe, China,UN,etc

A humble, quiet ,and friendly family man. He derived great pleasure and satisfaction in the company of his wife and children and he successfully kept his family together and happy at all times. There was no day that he did not talk with his family at anytime he was away on any international assignments and travels outside the country . He never failed to come home with beautiful presents ,for his children , wife and the household staffs at the end of each travel that he made.

I highly admired his excellent disposition , simplicity and cordial interactions with people,making him an easily approciable person. He was ever ready to discuss and share his thoughts, and experiences on his travels ,research and professional assignments. This made him a successful mentor and he was well known for his ability to bring out the best in others. Through his personal interests and expert guidance many of his mentees have been able to achieve outstanding successes in different professional societies and academic institutions all over the world.

Professor Kuku was born into a noble and well known Kuku family of Itantebo, Ijebu Ode,Ogun State Nigeria . As an illustrious son of Ijebu-Ode, Professor Kuku made considerable contributions to the socio- economic and welfare development of his people and place of birth. This earned him and his wife Dr (Mrs ) Filicia Osifunke Kuku the award of the prestigious traditional title of Otunba Ofiran of Ijebuland by his Royal Higherness Awujale of Ijebuland.

Professor Kuku will, for ever remain cherished in the hearts of his many loved ones as one of the most celebrated Nigerians in the area of Mathematics like Professor James Ezeilo, Professor Chike Obi and Professor Adegoke Olubunmo etc.

We specially console the widow and the entire family .May the good Lord protect and guide you. The exit of Professor Kuku has created a big vacuum but our consolation lies in the ever lasting memories of his love and great legacies that he has left behind.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE

Professor and Mrs O.A. Denton

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