Commander Matuwo Olufokunbi of the United States Navy has made history as the first Nigerian-American to qualify as a nuclear engineer under the prestigious U.S. Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program.
This achievement also marks him as the third Nigerian-born officer to command a U.S. Navy warship.
Fellow Nigerian-born U.S. Navy officer Victor Agunbiade shared the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday. Expressing his joy, Agunbiade wrote, “I celebrate this rare milestone achievement, brother.”
He continued: “Big congratulations to my brother CDR Olufokunbi Matuwo-another Nigeria-born US Navy Commander takes the helm of USS OAK HILL (LSD 51). He is the third Nigeria-born to Command US Navy warship. Proud of you brother!!!
“This is an extraordinary milestone and chapter in your professional career brother! Wishing you the very best of this Command at Sea tour,” Agunbiade added.
The USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) also confirmed Olufokunbi’s appointment as the new commanding officer in a statement released via Facebook on Thursday.
“Today, we bid farewell to CDR Jason Nowell as CDR Matuwo Olufokunbi assumed command of our Nation’s Protector. Please join us in welcoming CDR Olufokunbi to his new role and in thanking CDR Nowell for his steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication to the ship and her crew,” the statement read.
Olufokunbi’s Navy journey began in January 2001 when he enlisted as an Electronic Technician. He later joined the Seaman to Admiral Program and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Old Dominion University in May 2008.
He is a graduate of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, holds JPME Phase 1 qualifications, and has a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.
In his distinguished career ashore, Olufokunbi served as the Nuclear Programs Officer at Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, and as the Naval Surface Forces Expeditionary, Amphibious Warfare (AMW), and Mine Warfare (MIW) Warfighting Requirement and Assessment Lead at Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Atlantic.
His military accolades include the Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), and numerous unit, campaign, and service awards.