Renowned Communication Scholar Idowu Sobowale Dies at 85
Renowned Communication Scholar Idowu Sobowale Dies at 85
Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, renowned communication scholar, veteran journalist, education administrator and former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, has died at the age of 85.
Sobowale died on Thursday morning, October 8, 2026, according to a statement released by his family.
A member of the family, Akinniyi Sowunmi, announced the death in a statement titled “Transition to Glory.”
The statement described his death as a major loss to Nigeria’s communication and media community, particularly the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals in Nigeria (ACSPN).
It read in part: “This is a very sad day for us in the Communication Community in Nigeria and especially for us at the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals in Nigeria. Our father, Pa Deacon Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, OON, 85, joined the saints triumphant this morning, October 8, 2026.”
The family said details of his funeral arrangements would be announced later.
From humble beginnings to journalism
Born in Ashipa, near Abeokuta, Ogun State, Sobowale rose from a humble background to become one of Nigeria’s most respected journalism educators and communication scholars.
He attended Lagos Baptist Academy and graduated in 1964.
His professional career began at the Daily Times after a chance encounter with the late Bisi Onabanjo, who introduced him to the newspaper’s influential editor, Babatunde Jose.
Sobowale became one of the pioneer students of the Daily Times Training School. His performance was reportedly so impressive that, rather than complete the expected 12-month training, he was recommended for deployment to the newsroom after only two months.
He subsequently attended the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Diploma and BA in Mass Communication.
In 1975, he left the Daily Times to join the University of Lagos as an assistant lecturer at the Institute of Mass Communication.
He later travelled to the United States and obtained a PhD from Syracuse University in 1978, specialising in precision or scientific journalism.
Pioneer of opinion polling in Nigerian journalism
Sobowale was also credited with introducing systematic opinion polling to Nigerian journalism.
While at the University of Lagos, he established a Public Opinion Polling Desk at The Punch Newspapers under the leadership of its then editor, Sam Amuka.
The findings of the first wave of the newspaper’s surveys were published on April 11, 1979.
His pioneering work helped introduce a more data-driven approach to journalism and public affairs reporting in Nigeria.
Role in the establishment of LASU
Sobowale played an important role in the development of higher education in Lagos State and was regarded as one of the founding figures behind Lagos State University.
He served as Special Assistant on Education to the late Governor Lateef Jakande during the period when the idea of establishing the university was being developed.
He later joined the administration of Governor Bola Tinubu and served as Commissioner for Education between 1999 and 2003.
Following his public service, he returned fully to academia and became a Professor of Journalism at Lagos State University.
He later became the pioneer Dean of the Adebola Adegunwa School of Communication at LASU, serving from 2004 to 2007.
His influence extended beyond LASU. He also contributed to the development of postgraduate Mass Communication programmes at Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ogun State and served in academic leadership roles elsewhere.
National honour
For his contributions to journalism, education, communication scholarship and national development, Sobowale was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the Federal Government during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He was also recognised with major professional honours, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence.
The Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria also honoured his contribution to the profession, with the Idowu Sobowale International Conference instituted in recognition of his impact on communication scholarship and practice.
A teacher of teachers
Beyond his official positions, Sobowale was widely regarded as a mentor who influenced generations of journalists, academics and communication professionals.
Tributes have already begun to emerge from Nigeria’s communication and media community following news of his death.
Former LASU School of Communication Dean, Professor Rotimi Olatunji, described him as a mentor to many, while Professor Lai Oso also recalled his humility and commitment to mentoring younger scholars.
Sobowale’s legacy therefore extends beyond his publications and academic positions. He helped shape journalism education, promoted the use of opinion polling in Nigerian media, contributed to the development of communication studies and played a role in the growth of Lagos State’s educational institutions.
He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.
Nigeria’s communication and journalism community has lost one of its pioneering teachers, practitioners and institution builders.
