The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has promoted veteran journalist and communications scholar, Tayo Popoola, to the rank of full professor in its Department of Mass Communication.
The elevation, announced in the institution’s official bulletin Campus News (Vol. 019), marks a major milestone in Popoola’s career, reflecting his transition from newsroom leadership to the peak of academia.
Before joining the university, Popoola built a distinguished career in Nigerian journalism, rising through roles such as Political Correspondent, News Editor, and Deputy Editor across several national media organisations.
He later served as Editor of the now-defunct Diet Weekend newspaper until 2001, before joining UNILAG in 2002 as an Assistant Lecturer.
His promotion follows a 24-year academic journey during which he advanced through the ranks of Senior Lecturer and Associate Professor.
Popoola currently serves as Acting Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the university.
According to the bulletin, Popoola, a specialist in political communication, has made significant contributions to scholarship and media training, with publications in both local and international journals. His work focuses on bridging the gap between media practice and theory.
His publications include Specialized Reporting: A Global Trend in Media Training (Volumes 1 and 2), Mass Media Law in Nigeria: A Professional Perspective, Parrot Journalism: A Guide in Investigative Journalism, and Introduction to Political Communication in Nigeria (2026).
Beyond journalism, he has also authored works on leadership and faith, including A Model Worker for Christ and a biography of Tony Adefuye.
Colleagues and former associates described the promotion as well deserved, noting that Popoola’s career exemplifies the integration of newsroom experience with academic excellence. They added that his elevation would further enrich media education in Nigeria, especially at a time when the industry faces challenges related to ethics, misinformation, and the need for stronger investigative reporting.