The Association of the Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN) has described the death of its founding president, Professor Lai Oso, as a monumental loss to the association and the Nigerian and global mass communication and journalism community.
Oso, who was the President of ACSPN in 2014, after the incorporation of the Association late in 2013, died in a ghastly motor accident along the Benin-Sagamu Expressway on Saturday, June 25, 2023.
The association, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, on Sunday, described the late university don as possessing the firm conviction that the meeting of the gown and town would benefit the mass communication and media fields for the maximum impact of both professions on democracy and development.
The statement also quoted the association’s incumbent President, and Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, Professor Umaru Pate, as describing the deceased as an individual who pursued this conviction relentlessly.
The General Secretary of ACSPN and Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, Professor Nosa Owens-Ibie, in his tribute also said: “Under his tenure, the association began the process by producing in collaboration with UNESCO and other stakeholders, the first draft of what has now been launched as the unbundled Mass Communication curriculum, following a curriculum development workshop for communication and journalism courses in November 2015.
“He was a scholar who helped to make scholars out of others through knowledge building, scholarly articles, and book publications, and it was also under him that ACSPN commenced many niche programmes, including its mentorship series, and organised town-meet-gown training and knowledge sharing events across the country.
“Even out of office as President, Prof. Oso remained a pillar of support for ASCPN and actively participated in the organisation’s zonal and national events, the last being the Annual Conference held at Rockview Hotel, Abuja in September 2022.
“Prof. Oso was affable and humble, qualities that endeared him to the younger generation of media and communication scholars and professionals who constantly sought his support and mentorship. His services were also constantly demanded by institutions of higher learning and civil society.
“It is regrettable that he died while returning from Delta State University (DELSU) where he served as external examiner at the University till the day before,” he stated.
Among others, Oso taught media and communications at the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos, and the Lagos State University, Ojoo.
The association also extended its heartfelt condolences to the wife and children of Prof. Oso, his other relations, associates, and colleagues.
