Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, renowned communication scholar, journalist and former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, has died at the age of 85.
Sobowale died on Thursday morning, October 8, 2026, according to a statement by a member of his family, Akinniyi Sowunmi.
In the statement titled “Transition to Glory,” Sowunmi described his death as a major loss to Nigeria’s communication community, particularly members of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals in Nigeria (ACSPN).
The statement read in part: “This is a very sad day for us in the Communication Community in Nigeria and especially for us at the Association of Communication Scholars & Professionals in Nigeria.
“Our father, Pa Deacon Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, OON, 85, joined the saints triumphant this morning, October 8, 2026.”
Beyond his contributions to communication scholarship and journalism, Sobowale also played a significant role in the development of education in Lagos State.
He served in the administration of former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, initially as Special Adviser on Education before his appointment as Commissioner for Education, a position he held from 2001 to 2003.
As commissioner, he was part of the administration’s efforts to reshape the state’s education sector, including policies concerning the management and ownership of public schools.
Sobowale also had a deep connection with the development of Lagos State University (LASU). He was involved in conceptualising the establishment of the university in 1983 while serving as Special Adviser on Education to the administration of the late Governor Lateef Jakande.
He later became a Professor of Communication Studies and Journalism at LASU and played a major role in developing communication education at the institution.
Sobowale became the pioneer Dean of the Lagos State University School of Communication (LASUSOC), serving from 2004 to 2007.
Through his academic career, he taught and mentored generations of students while contributing to the growth of communication studies and journalism education in Nigeria.
His death is expected to be widely mourned by academics, journalists, former students, political associates and communication professionals across the country.
The family said details of his funeral arrangements would be announced later.