It is shocking and unthinkable; and I’m still in disbelief that Prof Lai Oso has gone to be with the Lord. I’m so pained… It’s so hard to believe and my soul bleeds. This is one death, too many!
Prof Oso was a trusted ally and mentor who would do my bidding in his dream. We spoke last through telephone on Thursday June 22 at 10:10am, when he called and told me that he was on the way to my state for PhD external examination. He requested me to finalise our articles for publication and send them to the editor as agreed.
On Sunday morning, before the news of his demise broke, I sent him a message that I had worked on the articles and submitted them for publication, but did not get a response.
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Prof Oso was an encyclopaedia of media and communication; and he was a man who put smiles on the faces of others, even when it was not convenient for him. He was an encourager, always ready to assist, and was there for all – students, scholars, professionals, government, media industry, not-for-profit organisations, bilateral, and multilateral agencies.
Prof Oso served Nigeria with all his strength and upheld her unity. He was a bridge builder who knew no tribe, religion, class, or gender; and never saw anything through primordial lens.
Prof Oso was an academic General who died ‘in the theatre of war’; having died on his way from Delta State University Abraka, where he went to examine some doctoral theses. He was a passionate scholar and a rallying point for media and communication scholars & professionals.
Over the years and during his tenure as Head, Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Prof Ralph Akinfeleye at various times ‘summoned’ him with a phone call for external examination (undergraduate and graduate students or staff promotion) assignments. Prof Oso at all times appeared with alacrity. He was an indefatigable scholar who had tremendous respect for his seniors in the profession and was very supportive.
He was a noble man in a noble profession that is unarguably the worst renumerated and without perks of office. Hence, he travelled by commercial vehicle whose roadworthiness he could not ascertain and whose driver is not under his authority. This is the plight of many academics who go for external examination and programme accreditation assignments in our country. This shows the value our nation attaches to the profession that has been raising skilled manpower (academic giants, industry captains, national leaders, etc) for Nigeria’s socio-economic development!
May God comfort his immediate family and give us the fortitude to bear this loss. Rest in peace, Prof Oso.
Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, PhD, FMNIPR, arpa.
Professor and Chevening Scholar
Department of Mass Communication
University of Lagos
