- Management, staff, students mourn
By John Dike, Osogbo
The Dean of the Faculty of Administration at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof Rafiu Oyesola Salawu, has passed on.
He died on Sunday, August 9, 2026, bringing to an end the career of an accomplished scholar and administrator whose brief tenure as dean was marked by far-reaching reforms and infrastructural transformation.
His passage was described as a monumental loss to the institution and Nigeria’s academic community by the Vice-Chancellor, management, staff, students and alumni describing his passing
In a statement issued on Monday by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, OAU said the late professor left behind an enduring legacy of visionary leadership, innovation and selfless service despite spending barely one year as Dean of the Faculty of Administration.
The university noted that Professor Salawu’s tenure would be remembered for the remarkable transformation he brought to the faculty’s physical environment, administrative system and overall outlook.
According to the statement, he initiated the installation of air-conditioning systems in virtually all offices within the faculty, deployed Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to improve security and introduced solar-powered facilities to provide a modern, secure and technology-driven environment for teaching, research and administration.
“Although Professor Salawu spent barely a year as Dean of the Faculty of Administration, his tenure will remain remarkable in the history of the faculty for the tremendous transformation he brought to its physical environment, administrative operations and general outlook,” the statement said.
The management described the late academic as a visionary administrator whose passion for excellence, accountability and institutional development inspired colleagues and students alike.
Beyond infrastructure, the university said Professor Salawu remained deeply committed to the welfare of students and cultivated cordial relationships with alumni, academic staff and other stakeholders.
“He distinguished himself as a true doyen and bridge-builder who understood the importance of maintaining strong relationships among the university, its students and its alumni.
“His leadership style was characterised by accessibility, commitment, resourcefulness and a strong determination to leave the faculty better than he met it,” the statement added.
Reacting to the sad development, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Management, staff and students of the university, extended heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, the Faculty of Administration, colleagues, students, alumni and associates.
Professor Bamire described Professor Salawu’s death as a painful and irreparable loss, noting that although he served as dean for only a short period, his impact would endure for generations.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the late professor distinguished himself through exceptional dedication to institutional development, a passion for mentoring students and young academics, and an unwavering commitment to improving the faculty’s learning and working environment.
He said Professor Salawu would be remembered as “a dedicated scholar, accomplished administrator, passionate mentor and servant-leader whose contributions to the Faculty of Administration and the university community will never be forgotten.”
The Vice-Chancellor prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, friends, colleagues and the entire university community the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
The death of Professor Salawu has cast a shadow over the university community, with tributes continuing to pour in from colleagues, students, alumni and associates, many of whom described him as humble, visionary, compassionate and committed to academic excellence.
For many within the university, Professor Salawu’s legacy will not only be measured by the infrastructural improvements he championed but also by the lives he touched through his mentorship, integrity and unwavering dedication to the advancement of higher education.
