The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of the Dean of its Faculty of Administration, Professor Rafiu Oyesola Salawu.
Professor Salawu died on Sunday, although the university has not disclosed the cause of his death.
The university’s public relations officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, confirmed the development, saying the management received news of the scholar’s death with profound shock and a deep sense of loss.
Olanrewaju described the deceased’s death as a monumental loss to OAU, the Faculty of Administration and the wider academic community, including his students, alumni, colleagues and associates.
Despite spending barely a year as dean, Professor Salawu was credited with implementing significant physical and administrative improvements within the faculty.
According to the university management, his tenure witnessed major upgrades aimed at improving the working and learning environment.
Virtually every office in the faculty was reportedly fully air-conditioned, equipped with Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) security systems and supported by solar-powered energy solutions.
The university said the initiatives reflected Salawu’s commitment to building a modern, secure and technology-driven academic environment.
“Within that relatively short period, Professor Salawu demonstrated an uncommon commitment to excellence and institutional development,” Olanrewaju said.
Beyond infrastructure, the late dean was also remembered for his advocacy for students, concern for staff welfare and efforts to strengthen relationships between the faculty and its alumni.
Olanrewaju described him as a passionate student advocate and bridge-builder whose approachable and resourceful leadership style was driven by a determination to leave the faculty better than he found it.
“His approachable and resourceful leadership style reflected a genuine drive to leave the faculty significantly better than he met it,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, conveyed condolences on behalf of the university’s Governing Council, Senate, management, staff and students.
Bamire described Professor Salawu as a dedicated academic, accomplished administrator and servant-leader whose brief tenure had already produced an enduring legacy of institutional transformation.
He expressed sympathy with the late professor’s family and the entire university community over the loss.
The university management prayed for divine strength and comfort for the bereaved family, students, colleagues and the wider OAU community as they mourn the scholar.
Professor Salawu’s death has therefore brought to an abrupt end a tenure that, although brief, was marked by notable administrative reforms, infrastructure development and a strong commitment to mentorship and student advancement.
