The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned journalist, distinguished communication scholar and media icon, Professor Idowu Sobowale, OON, who died on October 8, 2026.
The Council describes his death as a monumental loss to the Nigerian media industry, the academic community and the nation at large, considering his immense contributions to the growth, development and professional advancement of journalism in Nigeria.
Professor Sobowale was widely recognised as Nigeria's first war correspondent, a pioneering journalist who demonstrated exceptional courage, commitment and patriotism in the discharge of his professional responsibilities.
His dedication to journalism went beyond the ordinary demands of the profession. He endured considerable challenges and personal sacrifices in his determination to promote responsible journalism, defend press freedom and strengthen the practice of journalism in Nigeria.
He devoted his entire life to the profession, working tirelessly to build a stronger, more credible and respected media industry. His was a life of service, sacrifice, courage and an unwavering belief in the power of journalism to shape society, promote accountability and advance national development.
His professional journey was marked by remarkable achievements and pioneering initiatives. He began his journalism career at the Daily Times of Nigeria, where he served as a war correspondent and later as Assistant Editor between 1964 and 1975.
He was among the pioneers who brought greater depth, scientific rigour and precision to journalism in Nigeria.
A scholar of exceptional intellectual depth, Professor Sobowale obtained his Diploma and Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos before proceeding to Syracuse University, United States, where he earned a PhD in 1978, specialising in Precision or Scientific Journalism.
One of his most outstanding contributions was the introduction of scientific public opinion polling into Nigerian journalism.
After joining The Punch, he established a Public Opinion Polling Desk, with the first wave of its findings published in April 1979. This innovation strengthened the culture of evidence-based reporting and provided a scientific approach to understanding public opinion in the country.
His contributions to academia were equally remarkable. At the University of Lagos, he served as a lecturer and Head of the Department of Mass Communication, shaping generations of communication professionals.
At Lagos State University (LASU), he was appointed Professor of Journalism and became the pioneer Dean of the School of Communication from 2004 to 2007. He subsequently contributed to the development of postgraduate Mass Communication education at Olabisi Onabanjo University and helped pioneer the Mass Communication Department at Covenant University.
His influence earned him the reputation of a teacher of teachers and a mentor whose intellectual legacy will endure for generations.
Beyond journalism and academia, Professor Sobowale also distinguished himself in public service. He served as Special Adviser on Education to the administration of former Lagos State Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and later as Commissioner for Education in Lagos State between 1999 and 2003 under the administration of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
His contributions to national development and the advancement of journalism earned him the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2006. He was also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 23rd Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).
The NUJ Lagos State Council notes that Professor Sobowale's life represented the finest ideals of journalism: courage, integrity, intellectual curiosity, sacrifice and service to humanity.
He was not merely a journalist or an academic; he was an institution whose contributions helped shape the direction of journalism and communication education in Nigeria.
The Council observes that his passing has created a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill. However, his enduring contributions, scholarly works, professional values and the countless journalists and academics he mentored will remain a lasting testament to his remarkable life.
The NUJ Lagos State Council extends heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, friends, former students, colleagues, the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) and the entire Nigerian media community.
As we mourn this great icon, we celebrate a life that was wholly dedicated to the growth of journalism, the advancement of knowledge and the development of society. Nigeria has lost a patriot, journalism has lost a pioneer, and academia has lost an extraordinary teacher.
The Council also wishes to bring to the attention of the public and media community of the funeral arrangements in honour of the departed professor as announced by the family:
1.Wake Service
Date: Thursday, December 3, 2026.
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Venue: Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos.
2.Lying-in-State and Funeral Service
Date: Friday, December 4, 2026.
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Venue: Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos.
May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and give the family, friends, colleagues and the entire journalism community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Signed
Adewale Akodu
Chariman
Olayide Awosanya
Secretary
11 November, 2026
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