UNILAG don unveils book to advance political communication study

A veteran journalist and communications scholar, Prof Tayo Popoola, has disclosed that his new book would strengthen the study of political communication and advance democracy in Nigeria.

Popoola disclosed this while unveiling the book titled ‘Introduction to Political Communication’ at his Professorial thanksgiving ceremony held at Divine Favour Prayer Assembly Ministries, Mowe, Ogun State, last Sunday.

Speaking at the event, the UNILAG professor stated that the book is an attempt at presenting the new course to students of journalism and enhancing the quality of political reporting in Nigeria.

Popoola said, “As I speak to you, the current bunch of reporters covering politics are not well-grounded in the art of reporting politics.

“I have dedicated the rest of my life to the pursuit of development in political reporting in Nigeria by placing emphasis on political communication.

“This is the academic discipline through which we raise the personnel needed for the survival of democracy.

“In Nigeria, we have been working on institutionalising democracy, but we have never given a thought to the manpower that is needed for the success of democracy. That is the long and short of this book.”

The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, said the book would contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the emerging field of political communication.

He described Popoola as a humble scholar who has continued to contribute to the development of communication studies and political science.

Omotosho stressed that the gathering was beyond celebrating Popoola, but an opportunity for guests to learn the importance of humility and loyalty.

In his remarks, a former Head of Department of Mass Communication at UNILAG and a communication veteran, Prof Ralph Akinfeleye, described the book as “the first of its kind” in the country, adding that it would be a game changer in the study of political communication in Nigeria.

He described Popoola as a loyal and obedient protégé, whose transition from the newsroom to academia was inspiring.

The highlight of the ceremony included eulogies from family, friends and former lecturers of Popoola.

The PUNCH reports that Popoola was recently promoted to the rank of full professor in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos.

The elevation, contained in the institution’s official bulletin, Campus News (Vol. 019), marks a significant milestone in the career of the media professional-turned-academic, whose journey reflects a transition from newsroom leadership to the peak of academia.