Tinubu Mourns Professor Idowu Sobowale, Pioneer of Opinion Polling in Nigerian Journalism

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the death of Professor Idowu Akanbi Sobowale, a distinguished mass communication scholar, veteran journalist and former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, who died at the age of 85.

In a condolence message released on October 8, 2026, President Tinubu described Sobowale’s death as a significant loss to Nigeria’s academic community, journalism profession and generations of students who benefited from his teaching, research and mentorship.

The President 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.

Tinubu highlighted the late professor’s commitment to professional ethics, intellectual excellence and evidence-based journalism, noting that his contributions helped strengthen the foundations of communication education and media practice in Nigeria.

One of Sobowale’s most notable contributions was his pioneering work in public opinion polling. According to the President, the professor led Nigeria’s first nationwide opinion poll designed to predict the outcome of the 1979 general elections, demonstrating the importance of empirical research in journalism and political reporting.

Sobowale’s work helped introduce a more systematic approach to understanding public opinion in Nigeria. Historical accounts of his career also credit him with establishing a public opinion polling desk , with the first survey findings published in April 1979. His work helped advance the use of research and data in Nigerian journalism.

Beyond his contributions to the media profession, Sobowale played a significant role in public administration and education. He served as Special Adviser on Education to the administration of former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande before becoming Commissioner for Education under Tinubu’s administration in Lagos State from 1999 to 2003.

His academic career included teaching and leadership roles at the University of Lagos and Lagos State University, where he became a professor and served as the pioneer dean of the School of Communication from 2004 to 2007. His influence extended to the training of journalists, researchers and communication professionals who contributed to Nigeria’s media industry.

Tinubu commended Sobowale’s dedication to mentoring young Nigerians and strengthening journalism education, urging his family, colleagues, former students and members of the wider academic and media communities to draw comfort from his enduring legacy.

The President’s tribute comes as Nigeria’s communication community reflects on the contributions of a scholar whose work connected academic research, professional journalism and public service.

Sobowale’s death marks the loss of an influential figure in Nigeria’s media and educational history. His emphasis on evidence-based reporting and professional standards remains relevant as journalists and communication scholars confront misinformation, declining public trust and the growing influence of digital media.

The family has indicated that details of his funeral arrangements will be announced separately.

President Bola Tinubu mourns Professor Idowu Sobowale, the veteran journalist and mass communication scholar who pioneered opinion polling in Nigeria and served as Lagos State Commissioner for Education.