Professor Lai Oso, a distinguished Mass Communication professor at the School of Communication, Lagos State University (LASU), has tragically passed away, News About Nigeria reports.
The 67-year-old professor was involved in a fatal car accident while returning from a conference in Abraka, Delta State, on Saturday evening.
Professor Sunday Olayinka Alawode, who serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at LASU, officially verified the tragic news of his passing.
In a broadcast message sent to reporters on Sunday morning, Alawode expressed his sorrow and shared the heartbreaking information. He referred to Professor Oso as “Baba Lai Oso,” a term of endearment, and revealed the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The entire LASU community and the global community of communication scholars and professionals are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Professor Oso.
Alawode extended his condolences to Mrs. Oso, the children, and the rest of the Oso family, as well as to everyone affected by this tragic event.
He acknowledged the painful shock caused by Baba’s untimely departure but found solace in the belief that he had gone to be with the Lord.
Alawode bid farewell to the respected figure, referring to him as the “Baba of the Communication family.”
Throughout his career, Professor Oso made significant contributions to the field of Mass Communication.
He served as a Professor and Dean of the Mass Communication School at LASU from 2011 to 2015. Additionally, he held the position of President of the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria, demonstrating his leadership and expertise in the field.
Professor Oso received his education from prestigious institutions, including the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication.
He further pursued his studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, earning a Master of Science degree in International Relations.
As a Federal Government scholar, he completed his Ph.D. in Mass Communication at the University of Leicester, England, in 1977.
During his extensive career, the late professor had the opportunity to work as a Reporter for Radio and the News Agency of Nigeria.
Furthermore, he shared his knowledge and expertise by teaching various courses in Journalism, Media and Governance, Political Communication, Development Communication, and Theory.
The passing of Professor Lai Oso is not only a tremendous loss for LASU but also for the entire academic and professional community in the field of Mass Communication.
His contributions, both as an educator and as a leader, have left an indelible mark on the discipline.
He will be remembered for his passion, dedication, and commitment to advancing the field of communication.
