The tragic demise of Lai Oso, an esteemed Nigerian communication scholar and professor at the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCMS) in Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, is being mourned by many. He was reported to have died on Saturday evening in an auto crash on Ijebu axis along Ore-Sagamu expressway.
His death was confirmed by the Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, LASU, Professor Sunday Olayinka Alawode in a broadcast message sent on Sunday morning. Alawode wrote, “Good morning family. I am constrained to inform us of the involvement of Professor Muraino Olayiwola OSO, (we all fondly called Baba Lai Oso) in a ghastly auto accident that claimed his life yesterday June 24, 2023.
“It’s a rude shock to all of us even as we commiserate with Mummy Oso, the children, and his entire family, the Communication family worldwide, LASU Community, and all others.
“Baba, your sudden exit is painful, but we rest in the comfort that you have gone to be with the Lord. Rest in Peace. Adieu Baba of the Communication family.”
Furthermore, a statement shared in a student WhatsApp group also corroborated the news, as fellow students of the faculty expressed their condolences to the late professor’s family.
Prof. Lai Oso, A Visionary in Communication Studies and Academic Leadership
Prof. Lai Oso held the position of deputy rector at the prestigious Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, previously known as Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, before venturing into the esteemed Lagos State University.
In a remarkable turn of events, he was bestowed with the honorable appointment of dean at the esteemed LASU School of Communication, which has now evolved into the renowned Faculty of Communication and Media Studies. This remarkable tenure spanned from 2011 to 2015.
An individual of exceptional repute, Prof. Oso also had the distinguished privilege of assuming the role of President at the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN).
For his undergraduate studies, he embarked on an educational journey at the University of Lagos, pursuing a BSc in Mass Communication. Subsequently, he delved into the realms of knowledge and earned a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Ife, known today as Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), situated in Ile-Ife.
Displaying a thirst for knowledge and academic prowess, he furthered his educational pursuits at Leicester University in the United Kingdom, culminating in the successful attainment of a Ph.D. degree. Prof. Oso’s intellectual prowess was recognized far and wide.
Not confined solely to the realm of academia, Prof. Oso also served as the esteemed Dean of Students Affairs at Caleb University, a distinguished private institution nestled in the vibrant Imota area of Lagos State.
In recognition of his contributions and expertise, Prof. Oso held memberships in several esteemed organizations, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, the African Council of Communication Education, the International Association for Communication Research, and the Lagos Communication Forum.
Prof. Oso’s exceptional journey and multifaceted accomplishments exemplify his unwavering commitment to the field of communication and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
