By Phenyo Mokgothu
Prof Abiodun Salawu, an academic at the North-West University (NWU) and the director of the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area, has been inducted as a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) during the academy’s annual convocation ceremony on 8 August 2024.
The Nigerian Academy of Letters, founded in 1974, serves as the apex body for arts and literature in Nigeria, promoting excellence in the humanities through its fellowship programme, which includes categories for foundation, regular, overseas and honorary fellows.
It recognises individuals who have made substantial contributions to their fields, selecting them as fellows through a rigorous nomination and election process.
Prof Salawu was chosen as a fellow in the Overseas category, joining a select group of scholars honoured for their outstanding work in humanistic scholarship.
Reflecting on the honour, Prof Salawu says: “It is a career fulfilment to be counted among the very senior professors and the most accomplished scholars in the humanities in Nigeria. I feel greatly honoured.”
He is the first scholar from the communication and media discipline to be inducted as a fellow of the academy. “It is a thrilling experience, and I thank God for it,” he adds.
Prof Salawu’s academic journey spans nearly three decades, during which he has contributed significantly to journalism, communication and media studies. His career includes teaching and research roles in both Nigeria and South Africa, where he has established himself as a leading figure in his field. His scholarly work is extensive, with numerous journal articles, books and conference presentations to his name. He has also served as an editor and co-editor of several academic books.
In addition to his academic achievements, Prof Salawu is recognised by the National Research Foundation as an established researcher at the C1 level, highlighting his international recognition. He also holds leadership positions in various academic organisations, including the International Association for Media and Communication Research, and serves on the editorial and advisory boards of multiple journals.
