How Colleagues Describe Late Mass Comm Lecturer, Prof Alao

By UTHMAN ORIYOMI & MYRA BENIAH

Colleagues, students and associates yesterday trooped in to the auditorium of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), for a day of tributes to late President/Vice Chancellor, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State Late Prof Dayo Alao.

The late professor, full names – Samuel Ekundayo Alao died on Saturday December 12,2020 at the age of 73, leaving behind, a wife Mrs.Dorcas Ebun Alao, Director of Nursing Services at Ben Carson Teaching Hospital, Babcock University and four children, two boys and two girls.

Among those present, were the Provost of the NIJ ,Mr Gbenga Adefaye, former president of Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria( ACSPN), Professor Lai Oso, a former General Manager of the Daily Times and later Director of the Times Journalism Institute (TJI), Mr Achike Okafo; Deputy Provost of the NIJ, Dr Dele Omojuyigbe and Editor of THISDAY newspaper Mr Bolaji Adebiyi.

Others are Head of Department of Mass Communication of the NIJ, Mr Mike Osuji, Pro. Akiinpelu Tejumade;  former chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Dr Qasim Akinreti; HOD General studies of NIJ, Mr Adeboye Ola and Mr Tony Iyari amongst several others.

Speaking, Mr Adefaye said the tribute ceremony was an initiative of some of the former students of the man in a show of their appreciation of his impact.

”This tribute ceremony is to show appreciation to Professor Alao, a great mentor, founding father of Mass Communication Department, Babcock University, former Managing Director of Daily Times, former Vice Chancellor of Adeleke University, author and part time lecturer”.

Adefaye added that he was a beneficiary of Prof Alao’s generosity, as according to him, it was Prof. Alao that got him a job at Vanguard newspaper.

He also stated that Prof Alao kept tabs on his career providing him advise whenever he needed it.

Professor Oso described Alao as a good man, stating that all present at the event were not morning Alao but celebrating him.

“We are not mourning Professor Alao but we are celebrating him. He was a good man, a very humble man. He encouraged so many to go for higher degrees and seek knowledge because knowledge is very important”.

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Prof Osho also described the late Alao as a good Christian who never discriminated against others who did not share his faith.

“Professor Samuel Ekundayo Alao would always live on in our hearts” he said.