The pioneer Head of Department of Political Science in the Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Abdur-Rahman Olayiwola, has died at 71.
Olayiwola delivered LASU 98th inaugural lecture, titled, “Political Communication and Political Complications in Nigeria: Analysis and Action”, on August 27, 2024, at the Buba Marwa Auditorium Complex, main campus, Ojo, Lagos.
His death was announced by the institution’s Sub-Dean, Prof. Olufemi Adigun Lawal, stating that the faculty commiserated with members of the Political Science Department and the entire academic community on the loss.
Prof. Lawal prayed for the repose of the late professor’s soul, asking God Almighty to grant him eternal rest and to comfort his children, family members, colleagues, friends, and associates.
He further prayed that God would give the political science community the strength to bear the irreparable loss and fill the vacuum left by his demise adding, “Political Science Department members, please accept the Faculty’s condolences.”
Prof. Olayiwola, until his retirement, was a highly respected academic in the feild of Political Science, who has contributed significantly to scholarship and mentorship.
The professor who specialised in political communication, party politics, comparative politics and federalism was a member of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA).
The late Don started lecturing in LASU’s Department of Political Science in 1984.
He had his first and second degrees in Political Science from University of Ibadan before proceeding to the London School of Economics and Political Science in London, United Kingdom for his Doctorate degree. He also attended University of North London where he bagged Postgraduate Diploma in Law/Legal Studies, the Anglia Polytechnic University (APU) Chelmsford ESSEX UK where he obtained PGD in Legal Practice.
In London, he served as Councilor and also as Chairman of Borough and Bankside Borough Community Council. He has authored many books on Politics, Political Communications, Comparative Politics, Comparative Federalism amongst others. He served in the Executive Committee of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) between 1986 and 1987.
