Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, a renowned journalist, communication scholar and media educator, has died at the age of 85.

Sobowale died on Thursday morning, October 8, 2026, according to a statement issued by Akinniyi Sowunmi, a member of his family. In the statement titled “Transition to Glory,” Sowunmi described the death as a major loss to Nigeria’s communication community, particularly members of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals in Nigeria (ACSPN).

The late professor began his journalism career at the Daily Times after an encounter with the newspaper executive and veteran journalist, Alhaji Babatunde Jose. He reportedly excelled at the Daily Times Training School and was recommended for newsroom deployment after only about two months of training. He later rose through the ranks and became known for his reporting and editorial work.

Sobowale later moved into academia, joining the University of Lagos as an assistant lecturer in 1975. He subsequently pursued further studies at Syracuse University in the United States, returning to Nigeria with a PhD in 1978, specialising in Precision or Scientific Journalism. His professional experience continued to influence his teaching and research in communication.

One of his notable contributions to Nigerian journalism was the introduction of opinion polling as a tool for understanding public sentiment. He established a Public Opinion Polling Desk at The Punch under the leadership of Sam Amuka, with the first survey findings published in April 1979. His work later informed his scholarship, including his landmark inaugural lecture on opinion polling and national development.

Sobowale also played a significant role in the development of communication education in Nigeria. He was involved in the establishment and development of Lagos State University and later became the pioneer Dean of the institution’s School of Communication. He also contributed to postgraduate communication education at Olabisi Onabanjo University and was recognised as an influential mentor to generations of journalists and communication scholars.

Beyond journalism and academia, Sobowale served in government as Special Adviser on Education to former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande and later as Commissioner for Education during Bola Tinubu’s administration in Lagos State. His contributions to journalism, education and public service earned him the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), while his wider contributions to media development were also recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence.

The death of Sobowale has been widely reported as a significant loss to Nigeria’s journalism and communication community. The ACSPN had previously established the biennial Idowu Sobowale International Conference in recognition of his contributions to communication scholarship and media development. The family said details of his funeral arrangements would be announced later.