Associates, students mourn as renowned Mass Communication Scholar, Lai Oso dies in lone car accident.
Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
A renowned Nigerian Professor of Mass Communication, Lai Oso, is dead. He was 67 years old
Oso, was a former lecturer at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye and currently a Professor of Communication, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo
According to reports, two of his students, Idris Mohammed and Dr Wasiu Tejuoso of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, Abeokuta said the renowned scholar was said to have died in a motor accident in Ijebu axis along Ore-Sagamu expressway on Saturday evening.
“He was comming from Delta State University (DELSU) where he was an external examiner at the department of Mass communication. His SUV has reached Ijebu axis on the expressway before the car plunged into a river,” another student who was called from Ijebu Police station last night said.
Reacting to the sad news, one of his students, Adeola Yusuf who was a PhD supervisee of Professor Oso, declared that a “huge Library of communication has just been set ablaze.”
“Professor Oso was a good man, a father and lecturer to many communication scholars and journalists across the World. One of the pillars of communication at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), and a former Dean of School of Communication, Lagos State University (LASU) who has just three year to his retirement.
“HIs death is a terrible blow to the communication community. A huge communication library has just been set ablaze,” Adeola Yusuf write.
Idris Mohammed, another student wrote on Facebook; “It is with great sadness and heavy heart that I bring to you the passing away of our very own Professor Lai Oso of the Mass Communication Department, Lagos State University in the evening of Saturday as a result of a ghastly accident on his way back to Lagos from Abaraka, Delta State.
Dr David Oloyede, former Head of Department, Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State while mourning Oso said “Your passage is heart wrenching. Couldn’t hold back the tears. Your death came as a rude shock. Wish it never was. You were a good man. A rare gentleman. A teacher per excellence. Affable, kind and humble. May God rest your soul. Adieu Prof. Lai Oso”
Speaking on the life and times of the deceased, Dr Dele Odunlami, Head of Department of Mass Communication, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Ago Iwoye, said “It is difficult to refer to Prof Lai Oso in past tense. He was a prodigy in Communication Scholarship and represents the finest Africa can showcase to the world.
“His contributions in cutting edge applied and theoretical research, human capacity development through post graduate supervision and mentorship including global networking and collaboration are immeasurable.
“He was a father and mentor, a global scholar par excellence.For me it’s a personal loss.He was instrumental to the modest success recorded in my academic sojourn. Nigeria, indeed Africa has lost one it’s finest academics”
