Every great journey has its destination, and every lofty beginning has its end. The news of Professor Fawole’s retirement from the Department of International Relations at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he rendered four decades of meritorious service, though not unexpected, deeply moved me. In mid-March, I came across the invitation card for his birthday and retirement on the Facebook page of his son, T. Black. Seeking confirmation, I contacted T. Black. My confusion wasn’t about doubting what I saw, but rather the weight and inevitability of the departure of one of the most erudite teachers one could ever encounter.
I met Professor Fawole 20 years ago, and he impressed me from our first meeting. I had just gained admission to the Department of International Relations, and my brother, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, an alumnus of the department, came to visit. He decided to introduce me to his former teachers and friends. We first visited Professor Soremekun, who was the Dean of Administration at the time, and then the iconic Professor Amadu Sesay. These encounters were memorable, and I felt a strong determination to excel academically. They offered advice and encouraged me to seek their guidance whenever needed.
Our final visit was to Professor Fawole. He warmly received my brother, and they reminisced about the good old days. I was struck by his sharp, polished appearance and hospitable nature. His simplicity and measured mannerisms left a lasting impression. At the end of their conversation, my brother introduced me, saying, “Well, Prof, this is my brother, Femi, a very brilliant boy who just joined the department.” Professor Fawole replied directly, “Well, Eddy, he is here now. He will have to prove and live up to your high assessment of him over the next four years.” Throughout my undergraduate years at Ife, that statement became my greatest motivation. I couldn’t let my brother down and aspired to follow in the footsteps of this extraordinary professor.
I would occasionally see Professor Fawole at departmental functions, always living up to the high standards he was known for. He was a professor almost everyone admired but seldom approached closely. I soon understood that Professor Fawole had no room for anything but excellence, seeking neither favor nor frivolity. He was among the elite few destined for greatness, a class not accessible to many, hence the tendency to admire from afar.
During my time, Professor Fawole taught only final-year undergraduate and postgraduate classes, limiting close interactions. I focused on my studies under the mentorship of Professor Kehinde Olusola Olayode, an affiliation that earned me the nickname “Cambridge Boy.” My relationship with Professor Olayode could fill a book. On the few occasions I encountered Professor Fawole, he was always his smart self, either heading to classes or attending university events where he provided top-notch insights on contemporary issues.
At the end of my third year, when Professor Fawole was Dean of Administration, I visited him one evening. He warmly received me and inquired about my studies, encouraging me to excel and reach out to him if needed. I mentioned my interest in running for President of the Student Union. With a single line, he discouraged the idea, expressing his preference for me to graduate with flying colors rather than get involved in unionism, which might derail my studies. That summer, I ran for and won the presidency of the International Relations Student Association instead.
The opportunity to closely study under Professor Fawole came in the last year of my first degree. As usual, he taught Nigeria Foreign Policy I & II. Even as IRSA President, he appointed me as his course representative, which meant more frequent interactions. His classes were highly educative and interactive. His vast knowledge, experience, and exposure left students in awe of his brilliance and sophistication. He was punctual, precise, and up to date. Tales of Professor Fawole’s rigorous courses and students’ performances were legendary, creating a phobia even among the brightest students. Surprisingly, I was not immune to this fear. I concentrated in his classes, paying attention to every detail and his clear explanations.
I felt prepared for the 403 examinations until one day in class when Professor Fawole openly said, “Babrosa, if you score anything less than an A in this course, we will have to sit down and reconsider our friendship.” He emphasized that a leader must excel academically as well. This high demand rocked me, but I knew I couldn’t disappoint him. I studied diligently and scored A’s in both 403 and 404.
Professor Fawole supervised my M.Sc. thesis, a challenging journey. He made it clear from the beginning that I had to be thorough. When I submitted my first draft, he critically reviewed it. Though his remarks were tough, I took the corrections in good faith, knowing he wanted the best for me. While rewriting, I wondered if he remembered that I was the best overall graduating student in my M.Sc. class. However, this wouldn’t have mattered to him in the pursuit of a quality thesis.
As a student leader, I learned valuable lessons from Professor Fawole. He advised me on important leadership traits like teamwork and strategic foresight, always reminding me that a good leader must be above reproach. One incident during my presidency tested my association with him. The association had planned an excursion to Ghana, and everything seemed in place until I visited Professor Fawole for approval. He asked critical questions I hadn’t anticipated and insisted on obtaining clearance from the Dean of Student Affairs. With the trip scheduled for the next day, this seemed impossible. However, through the intervention of Professor Charles Ukeje, I obtained the necessary clearance within an hour and returned to Professor Fawole, who, though surprised at the speed, still made me sign an undertaking ensuring the safety of everyone on the trip.
In terms of professionalism, Professor Fawole was unparalleled. Over two decades ago, when IT was still emerging in Nigeria, he delivered his classes using PowerPoint presentations. He was punctual, precise, and up to date, often providing live examples of recent events. An alumnus of George Washington University, he was among the foremost foreign policy scholars, inspiring younger generations to engage in robust discussions on contemporary and global foreign policy for the country’s benefit. In my professional life, I strive to emulate his dedication, commitment, patriotism, and courage, though it’s always challenging to match the master.
The retirement of someone of Professor Fawole’s caliber is undoubtedly a loss. Their vast experience is irreplaceable, and the positive examples they set are rarely replicated. However, I am confident that he will continue to support the department and his numerous followers. His four scintillating decades at Ife were a testament to his brilliance, excellence, and class.
Olufemi Olafeso, student, mentee, and protégé of Professor W. Alade Fawole, writes from Harare, Zimbabwe.
Excellent account of a great schorlar…wishihg him the best of retirement life.