… Recalls his outstanding service as special adviser, education commissioner in Lagos

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to the late Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale as a pioneer of evidence-based journalism in Nigeria, recalling how the renowned mass communication scholar led the country’s first nationwide opinion poll that predicted the outcome of the 1979 elections.

The President, who expressed deep sorrow over the death of the distinguished academic and former Lagos State Commissioner for Education at the age of 85, described his passing as a monumental loss to Nigeria’s academic and media communities.

Tinubu, in a condolence message issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, particularly acknowledged Sobowale’s contributions to the development of journalism education and his commitment to promoting empirical research and professional ethics.

The President also recalled the deceased’s service in his administration as governor of Lagos State, where he served first as special adviser and subsequently as commissioner for education, discharging both responsibilities with distinction.

According to Tinubu, Sobowale’s contributions to journalism went beyond classroom teaching, as he championed applying scientific methods to understanding public opinion and  political developments in Nigeria.

“As a journalism educator, he emphasised empirical evidence over opinion. It was therefore no surprise that he led the first nationwide opinion poll to predict the outcome of the 1979 elections”, the President stated.

He added: “He served my administration in Lagos State as special adviser and later education commissioner, performing creditably well in both roles.”

Tinubu described the late professor as an outstanding intellectual whose dedication to scholarship, mentorship and ethical journalism helped establish enduring standards for mass communication education in Nigeria.

“Professor Sobowale was committed to intellectual excellence, professional ethics, and the training of young Nigerians. His life’s work helped strengthen the foundations of media education and professional journalism in the country,” he said.

The President noted that the deceased’s influence extended across generations of journalists, communication scholars and media practitioners who benefited from his teaching, research and professional guidance.

He observed that Sobowale’s passing represented a significant loss not only to his immediate family and associates but also to the wider academic community and the Nigerian media industry, where his contributions to scholarship and professional development remained invaluable.

Tinubu also extended his condolences to the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), where Sobowale served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

He acknowledged the late scholar’s immense contributions to the association’s growth and his enduring commitment to strengthening the relationship between academic scholarship and professional journalism practice.

The President urged Sobowale’s family, professional colleagues, former students and associates to draw consolation from his remarkable record of service to education, journalism and national development.

“I commiserate with the family, colleagues, former students, and the entire academic and media communities.