OAU, Public Administration Bids Farewell to a Legend: The Emotional Send-Forth of Professor Matthew Okotoni

The Department of Public Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on November 11, 2025, organized a memorable Retirement and Send-Forth Ceremony in honor of Professor Matthew Olu Okotoni, a distinguished scholar, administrator, and mentor whose career has profoundly shaped the department and the university at large. The event, held at the Faculty of Administration Extension Building, brought together colleagues, students, friends, and dignitaries from across academic institutions to celebrate his remarkable journey in scholarship, service, and leadership and to pay tribute to a man widely regarded as the Father of Public Administration at Obafemi Awolowo University.

Professor Matthew Olu Okotoni joined the Department of Public Administration in November 1991 and rose to the rank of Professor in October 2009. Over the years, he has served in various leadership capacities, including Acting Head, Department of Public Administration (2003–2007), and Dean, Faculty of Administration (2015–2018). He also served as Editor-in-Chief of the Quarterly Journal of Administration and the Ife Journal of Humanities and Social Studies.

Beyond OAU, he served as Visiting Professor at Redeemer’s University and Adeleke University, where he also headed the Department of Political Science and Public Administration. His areas of specialization include governance, policy analysis, ethics, and public sector management.

The ceremony began with the introduction of guests, followed by a moving welcome address by the Head of Department (HOD), who described Professor Okotoni’s rare ability to nurture excellence in others. In his remarks, he quoted the timeless words of Jane Austen: “But to be candid without ostentation or design, to take the good of everybody's character and make it still better, and say nothing of the bad, belongs to you alone.” The quote perfectly encapsulated Professor Okotoni’s leadership style—marked by grace, humility, and an unwavering commitment to building people, both within and beyond the university walls.

In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Salawu, fondly recalled Professor Okotoni’s outstanding contributions to the department and the Faculty of Administration. He noted that many distinguished academics had benefited from his mentorship and that his wisdom, patience, and leadership left a lasting legacy. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the retiree for his years of service and wishing him success in the next phase of life.

The academic highlight of the event was the Valedictory Lecture, delivered by Professor O. F. Omotokun. The lecture, titled “Shaping the Future of Nigeria,” focused on the need for transparency, inclusivity, integrity, and public trust in governance. The topic reflected the very values that Professor Okotoni stood for and tirelessly promoted throughout his career.

In his response, Professor Okotoni expressed heartfelt gratitude to God, his colleagues, and his students. He shared an inspiring reflection on his journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a leading scholar in his field, emphasizing that his success was built on hard work, resilience, and divine grace. His words deeply moved the audience, capturing the essence of a life devoted to scholarship and service.

The event concluded with a heartwarming presentation of awards and gifts from colleagues, students, and mentees, all eager to celebrate the man who devoted his life to advancing the field of Public Administration. A vote of thanks was delivered, followed by a closing prayer offered by Mrs. Okotoni, marking the end of a truly memorable celebration.

Professor Matthew Olu Okotoni’s retirement marks the end of an era but the continuation of a legacy. His dedication to excellence, mentorship, and institutional growth will remain an enduring inspiration to the Department of Public Administration and the entire Obafemi Awolowo University community for generations to come.