A former Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Osun, Ekiti and Ogun states, Professor Abdulganiy Olayinka Raji, has been buried.

Abdulganiy Raji, a native of Ogbomoso in Oyo State is a Professor of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering at the University of Ibadan.

He served as REC in Osun, Ekiti and Ogun at different times.

Professor Raji died on Friday, 19th December,2025 at his residence and has been buried in Ogbomoso according to Islamic rites.

The Janazah prayer (prayer for deceased) was conducted at Ogbomoso Central Mosque and led by the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Dr Teliat Yunus Ayilara at 11:05 am.

The deceased was buried amidst tears at Muslim Cemetery, Okin-Apa at about 12:10 pm.

The interment was coordinated by the Chief Imam of University of Ibadan, Professor Ibrahim Olatunde Uthman.

In a reaction, Professor Mobolaji Omobowale, the Head of Department, Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Ibadan, said Professor Abdulganiy Olayinka Raji was a First Class graduate of the Department of Agricultural Engineering, University of Ibadan and recipient of the Commonwealth Scholarship. He was an astute academic and a dedicated member of the University of Ibadan Community in different capacities, as well as at the National level in Nigeria.

It is on record that Late Prof Raji, an expert in Crop Processing and Storage Engineering, was a leading light in the area of Mathematical Modelling of Agricultural Systems. He was well sought after both locally and internationally in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Agriculture.

He has been a recipient of numerous grants and awards both locally and internationally,
a testament to his brilliance and indepth knowledge.

At different times, he served within the University of Ibadan Community as Head of Department, Director of Management Information Systems/ICT, and the Central Appointments and Promotions Panel, among many others.

At the National level, he was among the delegates from Oyo State to the 2014 National Conference in Abuja. Moreover, on account of his expertise, dedication to duty and trustworthiness, he was again called upon for National Service as a Resident Electoral Commissioner under the Independent National Electoral Commission from 2017 to 2023, a position in which he served meritoriously.

At the professional level, he was a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers, among many others.

In the samvein, ‎the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), B-Zone, has received with total submission to Allah – the Almighty – the news of the death of Professor AbdulGaniy Raji, a renowned scholar, public servant, and a committed member and supporter of the Society.
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‎Professor AbdulGaniy Raji was a Professor of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering at the University of Ibadan, where he made outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and the mentoring of generations of students.

In a statement by Dr. Kolawole Moshood Adelaja, Amir, MSSN, B-Zone, and ‎Moshood Abiola Tahir the Public Relations Officer, ‎PRO, MSSN, B-Zone, Professor AbdulGaniy Raji served the nation with distinction as a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun, Ekiti and Ogun States, playing a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes.

The MSSN said ‎he was a man of sound intellect, integrity, and deep Islamic values. “His relationship within MSSN was marked by sincere commitment, moral guidance, and unwavering support for the spiritual and intellectual development of Muslim students. He consistently stood as a source of encouragement and wisdom to both members and leaders of the Society.”
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“‎Indeed, Prof. AbdulGaniy Raji lived a life of service to knowledge, humanity, and the Muslim Ummah. His legacy in academia, public service, and Islamic activism remains a lasting testament to a life spent in obedience to Allah and service to mankind.”
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‎The leadership and entire members of MSSN B-Zone therefore extended condolences to his family, colleagues at the University of Ibadan, associates, students, and the entire Muslim Ummah and pray Allah (SWT) to grant them patience and comfort at this moment of great loss.
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The MSSN prayed to Allah to forgive him, have mercy on him, pardon him and grant him well-being, honour his abode, expand his grave, make it a garden from the gardens of Paradise, and admit him into Al-Firdaws al-A’lā.
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” ‎May Allah accept his good deeds, forgive his shortcomings, and grant him the highest place in Jannah. ‎Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.”

Similarly, the Political Awareness Group, PAG has commiserated with Ogbomoso Zone and the entire PAG on this great loss to the Ummah.

According to a PAG Chairman, Dr Lukman Fasasi, Professor AbdulGaniy Raji was a good friend and brother.

He prayed to Allah to grant his soul a resting place in Al-Jannah Firdaus.