By Onome Oghenetega
Dr Michael Okolo, Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Lagos, is dead.
PAU is a leading Nigerian private university in the Ibeju/Lekk area of Lagos reputed for the training of media and business professionals in the country and beyond.
The late Dean’s demise has thrown the university community into mourning as the deceased was critical to the establishment of Centre for Media and Communication (CMC) now School of Media and Communication (SMC).
PAU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Enase Okonedo, announced the demise of the renowned scholar in a statement on Monday.
According to him, “With heavy hearts but with total submission to the will of God, we announce the passing away of Dr Michael Okolo, the Dean of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University.”
Dr Okolo joined the institution in 2004 as the Corporate Affairs Manager of the University and in 2006, he moved to become a pioneer member of the newly formed Centre for Media and Communication (CMC) and played a key role in the Centre’s establishment.
“The CMC evolved into the School of Media and Communication, attaining a reputation for running quality academic as well as professional education programmes, with the tremendous input of Dr Okolo.
“He was a senior lecturer at the School in the area of Organizational/Corporate Communication. He has also served the School in different administrative capacities. He was at different times the head of the Professional Education Department and the director of the Academic Unit and also served as a member of the School’s Management Board.
“In addition to his teaching sessions at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Dr Okolo has been involved in many trainings, seminars, workshops and conferences within and outside the country”, Prof. Okonedo added.
The deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs Rosemary Okolo, the former Registrar of the University and currently a member of faculty in the School of Management and Social Sciences, and four children.
While commiserating with the family of the deceased, the management of the University prayed for the repose of the soul of Dr. Okolo.
