A Nigerian American Commander Olufokunbi _ ‘First Nigerian To Qualify As Nuclear Engineer In US Navy, Third To Command Warship’
Adedokun Waliyu 
The historic milestone also makes him the third Nigerian-born officer to command a U.S. Navy warship.
Commander Matuwo Olufokunbi of the United States Navy has become the first Nigerian-American to qualify as a nuclear engineer under the prestigious U.S. Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program.
The historic milestone also makes him the third Nigerian-born officer to command a U.S. Navy warship.
Victor Agunbiade, a fellow Nigerian-born U.S. Navy officer, made this known on his X handle on Thursday.
Sharing his excitement, Agunbiade wrote, “I celebrate this rare milestone achievement, brother.”
“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.
Meanwhile, the USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) confirmed CDR Matuwo Olufokunbi as the new commanding officer of the Nation’s Protector.
Confirming the development in a brief statement released on Thursday via Facebook, the announcement read: “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 added.
Olufokunbi enlisted in the Navy as an Electronic Technician in January 2001, was accepted into the Seaman to Admiral Program, and graduated from Old Dominion University in May 2008 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
He is also a graduate of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, JPME Phase 1 Qualified, and holds a Master in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.
Ashore, he served at Commander, Navy Recruiting Command as Nuclear Programs Officer and Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Atlantic as the Naval Surface Forces Expeditionary, Amphibious Warfare (AMW) and Mine Warfare (MIW) Warfighting Requirement and Assessment Lead.
His military decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal (4 Awards), Navy Achievement Medal (3 Awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.
