By Our Correspondent
Lagos, Oct. 10, 2026 (TNZ) The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Lagos (UNILAG), has mourned the passing of Prof. Idowu Akanbi Sobowale (OON), a distinguished scholar and veteran journalist.
TheNewsZenith reports that the politician and astute administrator, died on Thursday, Oct 8, at the age of 85.
In a statement, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Oloruntola Sunday, extolled late Sobowale, as a former student, lecturer and Head of department of Mass Communication in UNILAG.
Sunday described him as one of the foremost pioneers of Mass Communication education and practice in Nigeria.
According tohim, Prof. Sobowale was “a professor of professors”, whose intellectual depth and dedication to mentorship, helped shape the careers of numerous students and colleagues.
“Through Sobowale’s guidance and encouragement, many of those he mentored went on to distinguish themselves across diverse fields of endeavour.
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“This extended his influence far beyond the classroom and the institutions he served.
“The late university don pioneered the introduction of scientific public opinion polling to Nigerian journalism.
“This remains one of his most enduring contributions to the communication profession,” TheNewsZenith quotes the Dean as stating.
According to him, late Sobowale helped The Punch newspaper to establish a foundation for the systematic study of public opinion in Nigeria.
“This helped to advance evidence-based journalism and enriching public discourse.
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“His commitment to research demonstrated the power of scholarship to inform professional practice and contribute meaningfully to society,” Prof Sunday added.
He stated further that Sobowale’s passing represented a profound loss to the University of Lagos, the Nigerian academic community and the global communication fraternity.
“Late Sobowale’s intellectual contributions, professional accomplishments and enduring commitment to the advancement of Mass Communication will remain an invaluable part of the discipline’s history.
“They will also form a lasting source of inspiration to scholars, journalists, students and future generations of communication professionals.”
The Faculty extended its heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, former students, the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), and the entire communication community.
“We pray that God grants his loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and that his remarkable legacy continues to illuminate the path for generations to come. May his soul rest in perfect peace.” (TNZ)
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