By Tunji Oladejo
Deacon Julius Olufemi Oke, whom I fondly addressed as “Femi” and I share a rich history, having grown up together in the Yemetu/Oje/Igosun/Adeoyo area of Ibadan and later becoming colleagues at the University of Ibadan, and we both resided in Sultan Bello Hall as students at the same university. I attended his birthday and retirement celebration last year, and he even took the time to call me on my 60th birthday, February 19 this year. Femi’s life was a testament to his devotion to serving God and humanity.
As a Deacon, he was known for his inspiring preaching and exceptional qualities, including kindness, compassion and dedication to serving others. Femi’s life was a testimony to his unshakeable commitment to education, public service and international cooperation. As a servant leader, he consistently put others before himself, inspiring and motivating those around him. His exceptional career and interpersonal relationships were marked by innovation, a results-driven approach, and a calm demeanour that allowed him to navigate complex challenges with ease. Femi’s integrity, strategic thinking and dedication to talent development earned him a respected voice in international education planning and administration. He will be remembered for his inspiring leadership, amiable nature, and ability to bring people together to achieve common goals.
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Death is an inevitable part of human existence, a reality that awaits everyone. According to Hebrews 9:27, “people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” This verse underscores the certainty of death, emphasising that it is a universal experience that awaits all humanity. Furthermore, Ecclesiastes 8:8 notes that no one has power over the day of their death, emphasising the unpredictability and uncontrollability of mortality. Death is a transition to eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:8, Philippians 1:21-23). Femi has transitioned to eternal life after 61 years of sojourn on Mother Earth! To God be the glory!
Nigeria and the global community are mourning the loss of Julius Olufemi Oke, a remarkable individual whose life was a tribute to hard work, dedication, and service. His legacy will impact many generations.
An Indigene of Ibadanland, Femi was born on September 11, 1964, in Ibadan, Nigeria. He started his formal education in 1970 at St. Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Yemetu, Ibadan, and obtained his First Leaving School Certificate in 1976. He then proceeded to Ibadan Christ Apostolic Grammar School (ICAGS) Aperin Oniyere in 1976, where he obtained his WASC O’Level in 1981.
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Femi briefly worked at the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), Dugbe, Ibadan, as a Clerical Officer from 1981 to 1984, before pursuing further education at Oyo State College of Education (OYSCE, Wesley College Campus, Ibadan) in 1984. He graduated at the top of his class in 1987 with a Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE).
Between 1987 and 1990, Femi engaged in socio-educational activities, including teaching at Community Grammar School, Elewura, and Government Secondary School, Talase. He was admitted to study Guidance and Counselling at the University of Ibadan in 1990/9and graduated as the best student in his department in 1992/1993. Femi participated in the National Youth Service Corps scheme at the Air Weapons School of the Nigeria Air Force Base, Kanji, New Bussa, Niger State. In 1995/1996, Femi earned an MSc in Industrial/Organisational Psychology from the University of Ibadan.
He started his professional career at the Oyo State Civil Service Commission as an Education Officer in 1995 and later joined the University of Ibadan as an Administrative Officer in 1997. Femi joined the West African Examination Council (WAEC) in August 1998 as an Assistant Registrar II and rose through the ranks, serving in various capacities, including Officer-in-Charge, Ikorodu Satellite Office; Head of Examinations Department/Head of Liaison Office, WAEC Zonal Office, Abuja; Branch Controller, WAEC Office, Ilorin, Kwara State; and Senior Deputy Registrar/Head, WAEC International Office, Lagos.
As an international public servant, Femi attended conferences and presented papers in the USA, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Azerbaijan, Singapore, Mexico, Jamaica, Swaziland, Rwanda, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Cameroon, Lesotho, Zambia, Ghana, The Gambia and Sierra Leone.
Femi was happily married to Oluwatoyin, and their marriage was blessed with children. He enjoyed living peacefully and was known for his kindness, humility and generosity.
As Femi’s remains would be interred on Thursday, 4 December, 2025, his kindness, love, humility and generosity cannot be interred with his bones!
Femi, your memory lives on as a testament to a life well-lived, serving God and humanity. Your kindness and presence would be deeply missed. May your soul rest in peace, and may your family and loved ones find comfort in the cherished moments you shared.
Good night, my brother and friend. Sleep well in the bossom of your Maker till the Resurrection Morning!
Tunji Oladejo, JP, mnipr, who writes from the University of Ibadan, is the Chairman of The Progressive Forum, Ibadan (TPFI) via oladejo65@gmail.com.
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