Professor Muraino Olayiwola Oso has made profound contributions to the field of journalism. He left an indelible mark on both academic and professional spheres. With a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, he has exhibited excellence in various roles, from his early days as a Reporter for the News Agency of Nigeria to his impactful tenure as a professor and Dean of School of Communication, Lagos State University, Lagos.
An accomplished scholar, with a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Leicester, England, Professor Lai Oso demonstrated a keen interest in the growth of the Nigerian media, exemplified by his service as this award judges board chair four times (2012, 2013, 2016 and 2017), and his invaluable role in nurturing young media talents through the Pro-Engage initiative of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) among other initiatives of this organisation and many others.
He was also deeply involved in various committees, such as the Committee on the Review of Mass Communication Curriculum for the National Board for Technical Education and National Committee on the Drafting of National Broadcast Policy and the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO.
Prof Oso’s enduring legacy in journalism and academia is characterised by a rare blend of scholarly achievements, professional accomplishments, and a steadfast commitment to societal development.
Professor Oso will be the first to be so named for both the Anti-Corruption/Human Rights Defender Award and the Lifetime Award for Journalistic Journalism.