Lai Oso, a highly respected Nigerian professor of mass communication, met an untimely demise on Sunday, June 25, 2023, in a tragic road accident. The news of his passing has left the Nigerian media community in mourning. At the age of 67, Oso leaves behind a legacy of scholarly achievements and a profound impact on the field of mass communication.
Frank Talk Now delves into the extraordinary life and times of Prof. Lai Oso, tracing his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to his influential role as an educator, researcher, and advocate.
Lai Oso, a renowned Nigerian professor of mass communication, died in a road accident on Saturday, June 24, 2023. He was 67 years old.
Oso was a founding member and president of the Association of Communication Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria (ACSPN). He was also a former dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at Lagos State University (LASU).
Lai Oso attended the University of Lagos (1975-1978) where he graduated with B.sc (2nd class upper division) in Mass Communication. He has worked as an Information Officer during the National Youth Service at the Kwara State Ministry of Information, Ilorin. Thereafter, he worked as a reporter with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) rising to the position of State Correspondent. He left the NAN for the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) to read for a Master degree in International Relations. He was a Ford Foundation scholar.
He later joined the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta as a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication. He rose to become Head of Department, Director of School, Director, SIWES and the Deputy Rector.
He obtained a Ph.D degree in Mass Communication as a Federal Government scholar at the University of Leicester, England in 1987.
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Lai Oso is a Professor of Media and Communication at Lagos State University School of Communication, Lagos State, Nigeria. He is the immediate past President, Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN). He has worked in various capacities with many national and international organisations including UNESCO, UNICEF. He has published in both local and international journals in the areas political communication, journalism, public relations and development communication.
His latest publications include Multiculturalism, Diversity and Reporting Conflict in Nigeria (edited with Umaru Pate) and Status of Training and Research in Reporting Conflict, Peace Journalism and Safety Education in West Africa (with Umaru Pate and Jubril Abubaka, Journal of Journalism Education, Vol. No. 2.
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Oso was a prolific writer and scholar. He published over 100 articles in academic journals and edited several books. He was also a frequent speaker at conferences and workshops.
Oso’s death is a great loss to the Nigerian media community. He was a towering figure in the field of mass communication, and his contributions will be remembered for many years to come.
Oso’s Legacy
Lai Oso’s legacy is one of scholarship, teaching, and service. He was a highly respected scholar who made significant contributions to the field of mass communication. He was also a dedicated teacher who inspired and mentored many students. And he was a tireless advocate for the media, working to promote the free flow of information and the role of the media in society.
Oso’s death is a great loss to Nigeria and the world. He was a giant in the field of mass communication, and his contributions will be remembered for many years to come.
Tributes Pour in for Oso
Tributes have been pouring in for Oso since his death. ACSPN, of which he was a founding president, said his death was a “monumental loss” to the association and Nigeria.
LASU, where Oso taught for many years, also issued a statement mourning his death. The university said Oso was “a great scholar, teacher, and mentor” who “will be deeply missed.”
Oso’s students and colleagues have also taken to social media to pay tribute to him. They have praised his intellect, his dedication to teaching, and his commitment to the media.
The Editor-in-Chief, Franktalknow.com and Director at AF24news.com, Dr Olabisi Deji-Folutile said the death of the scholar came as a rude shock to her.
In her words, “the death of Prof Lai Oso came as a rude shock. It is very devastating.
“I still can’t believe that he is no more here. Prof supervised my PhD thesis.He was instrumental to my completing the programme. I have shared the story of how his telephone call and words of encouragement at a very critical stage of my life helped and made me complete my programme on schedule.
“He was not just a lecturer but a father, how I wished this is nothing but a dream.”
Oso’s death is a great loss to the Nigerian media community. He was a towering figure in the field of mass communication, and his contributions will be remembered for many years to come.
Lai Oso’s sudden departure has left a void in the Nigerian media community that will be challenging to fill. As a towering figure in the field of mass communication, his legacy as a scholar, teacher, and advocate for the media will endure. The impact he made on the lives of his students, colleagues, and the nation as a whole will serve as a lasting testament to his remarkable life and career.
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