JSA joins AASOC staff to celebrate Prof. Lai Oso @ 57

By Ikenna Asomba

Prof. Lai Oso at 57

 As one of Africa's foremost Communication scholar and current Dean, Lagos State University-Adebola Adegunwa School of Communication (LASUAASOC), Prof. Lai Oso marked his 57^th Birthday, on October 15, 2012, the Journalism Students' Association (JSA) joined members of staff of the faculty to celebrate with the erudite Professor of Mass Communication.

In a birthday message signed by JSA President, Comrade Ikenna Timothy Asomba, the department lauded Prof. Oso for his outstanding contributions to the communication field, especially through his books, researches and mentorship to many students, who are today doing well in their various fields of endeavour.

It reads: “We have followed with keen interest your indispensable contributions to the pen profession. In recognition and appreciation of your contributions to knowledge over the years, through your books, research works and mentorship, JSA deems it fit to heartily celebrate with you today, Monday, October 15, 2012, on attaining the age of 57. We wish you long life, prosperity and many happy returns from God Almighty.”

Prof. Oso while delivering his inaugural lecture

 Responding, Prof. Oso, who recently delivered the 47^th Inaugural Lecture of the Lagos State University, entitled: “Press and Politics in Nigeria: On Whose Side?” described the teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as the students of the Faculty as his family members, whose cooperation has been tremendous.

Asked how he feels marking his 57^th birthday, as a Professor of Mass Communication, he said: “It has been very good, meeting young people, relating with them. Even some of my students have become my friends and we always share common views together. I really enjoy teaching and it's quite wonderful,” adding, “apart from the students I have taught, who are in various professions, across the globe, with my researches and writings, I think I have paid my dues some how. However, I still believe that there is more I could still do to contribute to knowledge.”

Even as the don revealed that he usually relaxes at home with his family, by watching television, listening to music and reading, he advised LAAASOC students to read wide, acquire knowledge, noting that “it's the basic thing required of a student.”

Brief Academic Profile

Prof. Oso, who is a former Deputy Rector of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta (MAPOLY), Ogun State, attended the University of Lagos and University of Ife, where he bagged B.Sc Mass Communication and M.Sc International Relations respectively. He also holds a PhD degree from the Leicester University, U.K. He was also former Dean of Students Affairs, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos.

League of LASU's erudite Professors listen attentively as Prof. Oso delivers his inaugural lecture

Academic Bodies Membership

Prof. Oso is a member of the following academic bodies:

Nigerian Institute of Public Relations
Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria

African Council of Communication Education
International Association for Communication Research
Lagos Communication Forum