The Association of Communication Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria (ACSPN) is set to immortalise the legacies of two distinguished communication scholars, Professors Lai Oso and Samuel Ekunadayo Alao, with posthumous Fellowships at its forthcoming national conference in Abuja.
The National President of ACSPN, Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists, describing the late scholars as outstanding academics whose contributions to communication scholarship, professional practice and institutional development remain enduring.
The conference, scheduled for September 2 and 3, 2026, at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, will bring together communication scholars and media professionals under the theme, “Electoral Integrity.”
According to Olatunji, the posthumous Fellowship for Prof. Samuel Ekunadayo Alao is in recognition of his intellectual distinction, professional integrity and contributions to the advancement of communication scholarship and practice in Nigeria.
He described Alao as an eminent scholar, distinguished academic and committed member of the association, whose influence extended beyond the classroom through his scholarship, teaching, mentorship and professional engagements.
Olatunji said Alao was respected for his depth of knowledge, disciplined scholarship and ability to inspire colleagues and younger academics.
He also highlighted Alao’s contribution as a member of the ACSPN Board of Trustees, saying his wisdom, experience and sound judgment helped advance the ideals and institutional development of the association.
The ACSPN president said Alao viewed communication as more than an academic discipline, stressing that he regarded it as an important instrument for societal development, responsible citizenship and national transformation.
He said the posthumous Fellowship would preserve the memory of a scholar whose service and contributions had become an important part of the history of ACSPN.
On Prof. Lai Oso, Olatunji described him as an eminent scholar, distinguished teacher, public intellectual and pioneering leader in Nigeria’s communication community.
He said Oso, a Professor of Mass Communication at Lagos State University, made significant contributions to journalism, political communication, development communication, public relations, media governance and communication theory.
According to him, Oso’s contribution to ACSPN was “foundational and historic”, having served as the pioneer president of the association following its incorporation in 2013.
Olatunji said Oso led ACSPN from 2014 to 2020, helping to establish its institutional identity, programmes, partnerships and professional direction during its formative years.
He also described Oso as an institution-builder and mentor, noting that he contributed significantly to communication education at Lagos State University.
Olatunji said Oso served as Dean of the Faculty/School of Communication at the university from 2011 to 2015, where he played a role in strengthening communication education and introducing professional postgraduate programmes in Communication Studies.
He added that Oso’s academic and professional engagements extended to international organisations, including UNESCO and UNICEF, while his scholarship and mentorship helped shape generations of communication scholars and professionals.
The ACSPN president said the decision to honour Oso and Alao was not only a recognition of their past achievements but also a commitment to preserving the values of scholarship, mentorship, professional integrity and service to society which they represented.
He said their legacies should inspire contemporary communication scholars and practitioners to deploy knowledge and professional practice towards addressing societal challenges and promoting national development.
Olatunji said the forthcoming conference would also provide a platform for scholars and media professionals to examine the role of communication in strengthening electoral integrity and democratic development.
The posthumous Fellowships, he added, would serve as lasting tributes to two scholars whose ideas, scholarship, mentorship and institutional contributions continue to influence Nigeria’s communication community.
