Idowu Sobowale: Iconic Scholar, Journalist, Institution Builder, Teacher, Late Administrator – ACSPN

The Association of Communication Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria (ACSPN) has described the death of Professor Idowu Sobowale as the loss of one of the most important pioneers, custodians and builders of the association.
Sobowale, a former Special Adviser on Education to the Lagos State Government and later Commissioner for Education, served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association (BoT) until his demise today, 8 October 2026. The Association honored him with its highest award, Fellow of ACSPN, on 2 September 2026.
The Secretary General of the Association, Dr. Solomon Oyeleye, said in a statement that the deceased was an iconic scholar, journalist, teacher, administrator and public intellectual, and one of the most important figures in the development of communication and journalism education in Nigeria.
According to the ACSPN scribe, Sobowale was not simply a distinguished member of the communications community; it was an integral part of the institutional DNA of the ACSPN.
He said: “His contribution to the birth of the ACSPN dates back to its inception. At the historic International Conference for Media Educators held at Babcock University in May 2012, where the idea of creating a national association for communications scholars and practitioners was seriously put forward, Professor Sobowale supported the proposal and encouraged the process that ultimately gave birth to the ACSPN. Together with Professor Dayo Alao, he urged Professor Nosa Owens-Ibie to take up the challenge of giving birth to the idea an institutional form.
“That first speech was significant and demonstrated Professor Sobowale’s deep understanding that the advancement of communication studies and professional practice required not only individual excellence but also strong institutions capable of bringing together scholars, educators and practitioners.
“Following the establishment of the ACSPN in 2013, Professor Sobowale served as Chairman of the Association’s Board of Directors and chaired the inaugural General Assembly in February 2014. He later became Life President of the Board of Directors. This position reflects the enormous trust and respect that the communications community had in his wisdom, experience and commitment to the Association.
“As Chairman of the Council, Professor Sobowale was more than a titular leader. He remained an active custodian of the Association’s values ​​and institutional memory. Even in recent years, he remained keenly interested in the affairs of the ACSPN, offering advice to subsequent leaders and encouraging them to preserve the vision of the founding generation.
“His influence on Nigerian communication studies and journalism extended well beyond the ACSPN. He was among the first generation of Nigerian mass communication scholars and practitioners who helped lay the intellectual and professional foundations for contemporary communication education. He taught at the Daily Times Training School and the University of Lagos. He served as head of the mass communication department at the University of Lagos and later at Covenant University. He also played a key role in the development of the Lagos State University School of Communication, serving as a pioneer principal.
“To generations of students, journalists, academics and communications professionals, Professor Sobowale was a teacher in the broadest sense of the term. His influence extended beyond the classroom and academic publications. He believed deeply in the ability of communication to shape society, strengthen institutions and improve public life.
“ACSPN was privileged to honor him during his lifetime. In September 2026, the Association formally recognized him as one of its inaugural Distinguished Fellows for his outstanding contributions to communications scholarship, journalism, professional development, and the growth of ACSPN.
“He was a pioneer when the idea of ​​ACSPN was still a conversation; a trustee when the Association took institutional form; a president when its foundations were consolidated; and a mentor when new generations took responsibility for its future.
‘As an Association, we will remember Professor Sobowale not only for the positions he held, but also for the values ​​he embodied: intellectual courage, institutional commitment, professional excellence, service, mentorship, and an unshakable belief in the power of communication scholarship to contribute to national development.’