The University of Lagos (UNILAG) paid tribute to Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, recognising his contributions to journalism education, communication research and the development of public opinion polling in Nigeria. ** Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, a veteran journalist and communication scholar. ** Sobowale, who died on October 8, 2026, at the age of 85, was a former student, lecturer and Head of the Department of Mass Communication at UNILAG. His career spanned academia, journalism and public service. ** UNILAG Recognises His Academic Legacy ** The Dean of UNILAG's Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Professor Oloruntola Sunday, described Sobowale as one of the pioneers of Mass Communication education and practice in Nigeria. ** The dean highlighted the late professor's commitment to academic excellence and mentorship, noting that his influence extended beyond the classroom through the students and professionals he helped develop. ** Sobowale's contributions remain significant to the study and practice of journalism in Nigeria, particularly in communication research and the use of evidence to inform public discourse. ** His Role in Public Opinion Polling ** Sobowale was recognised for his role in advancing scientific public opinion polling in Nigerian journalism. Through his work with The Punch newspaper, he contributed to the use of systematic research methods to understand public attitudes and opinions on important national issues. ** Idowu-Sobowale-e1791472370566.jpg ** His work helped strengthen the relationship between academic research and professional journalism, demonstrating the importance of evidence-based reporting in public discourse. ** A Career Spanning Academia and Public Service ** Beyond his contributions to UNILAG, Sobowale served as a professor of journalism at Lagos State University (LASU), where he became the pioneer dean of its School of Communication. ** He also served in the Lagos State Government as Special Adviser on Education before becoming Commissioner for Education between 1999 and 2003. ** His career brought together teaching, research, journalism and public administration, making him an influential figure in Nigeria's communication and education sectors. ** His legacy remains connected to the growth of communication studies, journalism education and public opinion research in Nigeria. The University of Lagos (UNILAG) paid tribute to Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, recognising his contributions to journalism education, communication research and the development of public opinion polling in Nigeria. ** Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, a veteran journalist and communication scholar. ** Sobowale, who died on October 8, 2026, at the age of 85, was a former student, lecturer and Head of the Department of Mass Communication at UNILAG. His career spanned academia, journalism and public service. ** UNILAG Recognises His Academic Legacy ** The Dean of UNILAG's Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Professor Oloruntola Sunday, described Sobowale as one of the pioneers of Mass Communication education and practice in Nigeria. ** The dean highlighted the late professor's commitment to academic excellence and mentorship, noting that his influence extended beyond the classroom through the students and professionals he helped develop. ** Sobowale's contributions remain significant to the study and practice of journalism in Nigeria, particularly in communication research and the use of evidence to inform public discourse. ** His Role in Public Opinion Polling ** Sobowale was recognised for his role in advancing scientific public opinion polling in Nigerian journalism. Through his work with The Punch newspaper, he contributed to the use of systematic research methods to understand public attitudes and opinions on important national issues. ** Idowu-Sobowale-e1791472370566.jpg ** His work helped strengthen the relationship between academic research and professional journalism, demonstrating the importance of evidence-based reporting in public discourse. ** A Career Spanning Academia and Public Service ** Beyond his contributions to UNILAG, Sobowale served as a professor of journalism at Lagos State University (LASU), where he became the pioneer dean of its School of Communication. ** He also served in the Lagos State Government as Special Adviser on Education before becoming Commissioner for Education between 1999 and 2003. ** His career brought together teaching, research, journalism and public administration, making him an influential figure in Nigeria's communication and education sectors. ** His legacy remains connected to the growth of communication studies, journalism education and public opinion research in Nigeria.

11 Oct 2026, 9:17 PM • General

UNILAG Mourns Prof Idowu Sobowale, Celebrates His Contributions to Communication Studies

Opeyemi

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UNILAG Mourns Prof Idowu Sobowale, Celebrates His Contributions to Communication Studies — Prof Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, the late Nigerian journalist and communication scholar.

Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, a veteran journalist and communication scholar.

Sobowale, who died on October 8, 2026, at the age of 85, was a former student, lecturer and Head of the Department of Mass Communication at UNILAG. His career spanned academia, journalism and public service.

UNILAG Recognises His Academic Legacy

The Dean of UNILAG's Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Professor Oloruntola Sunday, described Sobowale as one of the pioneers of Mass Communication education and practice in Nigeria.

The dean highlighted the late professor's commitment to academic excellence and mentorship, noting that his influence extended beyond the classroom through the students and professionals he helped develop.

Sobowale's contributions remain significant to the study and practice of journalism in Nigeria, particularly in communication research and the use of evidence to inform public discourse.

His Role in Public Opinion Polling

Sobowale was recognised for his role in advancing scientific public opinion polling in Nigerian journalism. Through his work with The Punch newspaper, he contributed to the use of systematic research methods to understand public attitudes and opinions on important national issues.

His work helped strengthen the relationship between academic research and professional journalism, demonstrating the importance of evidence-based reporting in public discourse.

A Career Spanning Academia and Public Service

Beyond his contributions to UNILAG, Sobowale served as a professor of journalism at Lagos State University (LASU), where he became the pioneer dean of its School of Communication.

He also served in the Lagos State Government as Special Adviser on Education before becoming Commissioner for Education between 1999 and 2003.

His career brought together teaching, research, journalism and public administration, making him an influential figure in Nigeria's communication and education sectors.

His legacy remains connected to the growth of communication studies, journalism education and public opinion research in Nigeria.

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