The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Lagos, UNILAG, has mourned the passing of Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, a distinguished scholar, veteran journalist, astute administrator.
Sobowale died on October 8, 2026 at the age of 85.
In a statement by its Dean, Professor Oloruntola Sunday, the faculty described Professor Sobowale, a former student, lecturer and Head of department of Mass Communication in UNILAG, as one of the foremost pioneers of Mass Communication education and practice in Nigeria.
According to Professor Sunday, Professor Sobowale was “a professor of professors, whose intellectual depth, commitment to academic excellence and dedication to mentorship helped shape the careers of numerous students and colleagues.”
The Dean noted that through Sobowale’s guidance and encouragement, many of those he mentored went on to distinguish themselves across diverse fields of endeavour, extending his influence far beyond the classroom and the institutions he served.
He recalled that the late university don pioneered the introduction of scientific public opinion polling to Nigerian journalism.
That, he said, remained one of his most enduring contributions to the communication profession.
“Through his work with The Punch newspaper, he helped establish a foundation for the systematic study of public opinion in Nigeria, advancing evidence-based journalism and enriching public discourse,” he said.
“His commitment to research demonstrated the power of scholarship to inform professional practice and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Professor Sobowale’s passing, according to the Dean, represents a profound loss to the University of Lagos, the Nigerian academic community and the global communication fraternity.
The faculty stated that Professor Sobowale’s intellectual contributions, professional accomplishments and enduring commitment to the advancement of Mass Communication would remain an invaluable part of the discipline’s history and 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.”
READ ALSO:
Sanwo-Olu mourns communication scholar, Idowu Sobowale
2027: Ogun indigenes in Kano meet PDP deputy guber candidate, Kolapo, pledge support for Adebutu
MUSWEN: Tinubu, Sultan, Zulum, S’West leaders to attend General Assembly in November
Ogun 2027: What Ogun voters expect from Yayi and Adebutu
FOR THE RECORD: It’s The Nation that failed Journalism –NGE
‘Journalists failed journalism’: NGE fires back at The Nation
FG’s digital project to deliver 90,000 klms of fibre across 36 states by 2028 -Yilwatda
Lassa Fever: Nigeria records 1,115 confirmed cases, 263 deaths
Media should test the right to announce election results -Agbakoba
Good night distinguished Akokite, Prof Idowu Sobowale
Winners of 2027 elections will be determined by voters -Amupitan
Court dismisses El-Rufai’s suit seeking to stop ICPC, others
