By Waziri Isa Adam
Renowned University administrators and Media icons in Nigeria, led by the former Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University,Akungba – Akoko, Ondo state , Professor Funso Akere, Jagaban of Mass Communication in Nigeria, Professor Ralph A.Akinfeleye, former Dean of Postgraduate Studies, Unilag,Professor Solomon Akinboye, Hon. Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos state Commissioner for lnformation and Strategy, amongst others, at the weekend, unveiled a new compendium for the teaching of a newly introduced Political Communication course in Nigerian universities written by Professor Tayo Popoola.
The occasion was the special Professorial thanksgiving service for Professor Popoola who was recently elevated to the rank of full Professor by the Governing Council of the University of Lagos.
The unveiling of the book titled: Introduction to Political Communication in Nigeria by Professor Akinfeleye and Professor Akinboye supported by other dignitaries at the event was described as very unique by the PhD students of Professor Popoola at the event.
Professor Popoola studied Political Science and Mass Communication. While Professor Akinboye was his first PhD supervisor, Professor Akinfeleye also supervised his PGD and MSc degree in Mass Communication.
The Professors congratulated Professor Popoola on his latest book, successful professional and academic achievements and rejoiced with his family.
Professor Popoola said at the occasion that he was grateful to God whose hands helped him from primary school till this day.
He stated that going by his background and challenges, he owed God gratitude for helping him in his professional career a successful journalist as well as an academic.
His classmates at various levels: Secondary school and University of Lagos applauded his promotion and the publication of his latest academic textbook.
His classmate in the Department of Political Science during his undergradute days and current Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Professor Adelaja Odukoya, described Popoola’s elevation to the rank of full Professor as “a milestone that speaks not only to intellectual labour, but to a life consistently ordered around purpose, discipline and faith”.
Dr. John Olusola Magbadelo of Bingham University, Karu near Abuja, similarly described Professor Popoola as “an embodiment of sacrificial spirit, an exemplar of servant leadership and personification of selfless leadership”.
Another classmate of Professor Popoola in his undergraduate days, Pastor Femi Adetunji – Ogbontiba described Popoola’s elevation as “divinely arranged and remains the story of grace and lessons in endurance,faith and diligence”.
Mrs Toro Oladapo, a former Director in the Lagos state ministry of lnformation and Strategy who was also Professor Popoola’s classmate in Mass Communication Department expressed joy on his elevation saying ” he has proved his mettle as a distinguished scholar through his numerous publications and demonstrated rare leadership qualities”.
Dr. Niyi Akinsiju, former President of University of Lagos Students Union ( ULSU) similarly described Professor Popoola as “a strategic communicator who distinguished himself in the ULSU parliament between 1984 and 1986”.
Akinsiju further said by his elevation, he has joined the league of renowned political communication scholars such as Karl Deutsch and Robert C. North.
Professor Popoola’s fellow parliamentarian in ULSU parliament and current Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Professor Niyi Osuntoki described Professor Popoola’s elevation as”a milestone and testimony of God’s faithfulness and fruit of diligent academic service”.
The Dean of Postgraduate Studies,Unilag, Professor Abraham A.A Osinubi on his part says Professor Popoola’s elevation “is a powerful affirmation of years of discipline, intellectual rigor and unwavering commitment to excellence”.
The Dean of Communication and Media Studies, Unilag, Professor Oloruntola Sunday similarly said “professor Popoola has consistently demonstrated intellectual depth, clarity of thought and a rare ability to connect theory with practice, qualities that shaped generations of students and inspired many to pursue excellence”.
Professor Ferdinand Ottoh, Head of Political Science Department, Unilag, congratulated Professor Popoola on his milestone and urged him not to relent in his contributions to the growth of Political Communication in particular and Political Science in general through research and teaching.
His words, “you have made us proud by specializing in one of the traditional areas of Political Science, which is Political Communication. You have joined the pioneer scholar like Karl Deutsch whose work on Political Communication remains a reference material “.
Meanwhile, Unilag Mass Communication Alumni Association ( UMCAA) similarly congratulated Professor Popoola.
In a goodwill message on the occasion of the special Professorial thanksgiving service signed by the National President and Secretary of the Association, Mr. Seyi Gambo and Mrs Regina Chris – Ogbodo respectfully, the Association said ” many of our members recall your days as a lecturer and course adviser with deep gratitude.
“You taught with passion, guided with patience, and gave counsel that often went far beyond the classroom “.
The Obalatan Commercial Grammar School,Ilupeju -Ekiti sent a similar goodwill message through her National Public Relations Officer ( PRO), Mrs Omolaraeni Aboyade – Cole ( JP) in which Professor Popoola was described as “an iconic and highly celebral Professor”.
The coordinating leader of his set in secondary school, elder Lawrence Adesua, described Professor Popoola’s elevation as” a remarkable achievement, a true reflection of a life of dedication, hard work , perseverance and unwavering commitment to academic excellence “.
Dignitaries from all works of life attended the special Professorial thanksgiving service.