I still think about Olaiya, and I am happy I had him as a dear friend.

Eternal peace to the family. 🙏🏽🌷

Karen V Jubar-Simmons
Charleston South Carolina, USA

It’s so hard for me to believe that Olaiya is gone from this world. He was so vibrant and full of life - a true light. May he Rest In Peace. 


My condolences to the family. You’ve lost a great person, but have beautiful memories to cherish.

Ola was a  wonderful friend, and I will always cherish the fond memories we shared in Charleston.

Karen V Jubar-Simmons

Olaiya will always remain in our hearts. 

I just learned of Olaiya’s passing and I am deeply saddened; devastated!

I met Ola during his tenure at The College of Charleston, and we developed a close friendship I will always treasure.

Olaiya was a true man; proud of his heritage, family; devoted to his career in early childhood development, and is “gone too soon!”

My condolence to his family, students, university constituents, and everyone whose life he touched.

Love you eternally, my dear friend🌷💔




Dr. Olaiya Aina, our PHENOMENAL Professor, was always happy & smiling. He told us that there is a lot of things going on in the world but it is up to us to create our OWN UNIVERSE; and his universe was a place filled with happiness. Many students described him as a person who was LARGER THAN LIFE in his enthusiasm for high quality education. We remembered how he was a story teller, he always made us laugh, he always encouraged us to believe in ourselves and to believe in our students, he made it easy for us to care about him & that is because he genuinely cared about us. He took the time to know each of his students individually & encouraged us to do the same, as educators. He would say “to teach is to touch a life forever,” and that is what he did. Dr. Aina will be missed immensely, but his legacy will live on forever!

“The sky is no longer the limit. The sky is just the beginning!” -Dr. Ola Aina 🇳🇬

Professor Aina, Olaiya.  Your sudden death was shocking and unpalatable,  I had so many days of sleepless night due to the impacts you have made in my life. Till today, it seems illusive. You mean a lot but God understands.  Getting over this will take eternity. I miss you.  My mum (Iya Eji)  and siblings miss you a lot.  I pray God to sustain the family. Nephew Abiodun. 

Dr. Aina was my Graduate Advisor during my years as a student, and later became my friend after I graduated.  He guided me through all of my independent  study courses with encouragement which led to the creation of my business.  I will deeply miss Dr. Aina!  I admired his dedication to the field of Early Childhood Education and to his students.  I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to study under him.  He was a very giving, kind and loving man and I send my condolences to all his loved ones.

As one who heard Dr. Aina's voice and laughter from the next-door office, I honor his gifts of warmth and celebratory energy toward all those around him.  He is truly missed. 

OBITUARY

Professor Olaiya Emmanuel Aina

December 31, 1957 – February 19, 2018

Draper Mortuary

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