A lecturer from the Department of Communication and Media Studies, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Muyiwa Popoola, has become the first Professor of Mass Communication in the faith-based institution.
The thanksgiving service to commemorate his professorial chair took place on Saturday 24 June, 2017 at the Adeyinka Adegbite Memorial Anglican Church, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Ibadan South Anglican Diocese, Right-Reverend Jacob Ajetunmobi, encouraged the new professor to remain steadfast and committed for God.
He described him as a man of integrity and dignity who loves the things of God.
While speaking with Tribune Education, two of his friends, Mrs Olufunke Lana and Chief Wale Ademowo, described Professor Popoola as a devout Christian, a loving husband and father to his wife and children.
Popoola was born in the 70s to the family of Reverend James Olayiwola Popoola (a scholar, councellor, preacher and church musician of repute) and Madam Christiana Mojisola Popoola.
Professor Popoola attended Ibadan Grammar School for his secondary school education.
He graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mass Communication, First Class honours, for the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State. He obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos in 2002, and a doctorate from the University of Ibadan.
He had, at various times, been a lecturer at the Adeseun Ogundoyin campus, of The polytechnic of Ibadan Eruwa (February 2002 to October 2005) and Lead City University, Ibadan (November 2005 to February 2007).
Guests at the thanksgiving service include the vice chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Right Reverend Professor Dapo Folorunsho Asaju; the university registrar, Mrs Adenike Fatogun, and other members of the university staff.