Prof. Abiodun Salawu | Communication | Research Excellence Award
Professor and Research Director | North West University | South Africa
Prof. Abiodun Salawu is a distinguished scholar in communication studies whose work has significantly shaped the fields of indigenous language media, journalism, and development communication across Africa. As a leading academic based at North West University, he directs a major research entity focused on Indigenous Language Media in Africa, demonstrating long standing commitment to promoting multilingualism, minority language preservation, and culturally grounded media practices. His research explores how language, media, and society intersect within complex sociopolitical contexts, and he has contributed extensively to scholarship on African language journalism, media sustainability, digital transformation, communication for development, and the political economy of media. A prolific academic mentor, he has supervised numerous doctoral, master’s, and postgraduate research projects across diverse areas such as health communication, political communication, media policy, social media studies, entertainment-education, and community broadcasting, thereby shaping a new generation of communication scholars across the continent. His leadership extends to major professional bodies in media and communication research, where he holds influential roles that support global scholarly exchange and minority language media advocacy. His professional experience spans academia, editorial leadership, journalism practice, and mentorship engagements, reflecting a deep integration of theory and practice. He has attracted significant research funding for pioneering projects related to African language media development, digital innovation, media sustainability, and community engagement. His scholarly output, academic service, and contributions to communication research continue to advance knowledge on how media can drive cultural vitality, democratic participation, and social transformation within multilingual African societies.
Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar
Featured Publication
Kimu, S. S. K., Mdoka, W. H., & Salawu, A. (2025). Accommodating multilingualism on religious national radio: The case of Radio Islam Malawi. In Reconceptualising multilingualism on African radio: Language and identity.
Adesina, E., & Salawu, A. (2025). Knowledge of breast cancer risk factors and preferred indigenous language information sources among women in Lagos, Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies.
Salawu, A. (2025). Press and politics: Contributions of Sol Plaatje to South African journalism. Journal of Asian and African Studies.
Minhas, S., & Salawu, A. (2025). Wikipedia and indigenous language preservation: Analysis of Setswana and Punjabi languages. Frontiers in Communication.
Adesina, E., Salawu, A., & Adeyeye, B. (2025). Bridging cultural gaps in health communication: Indigenous language as a catalyst for combatting monkeypox in Lagos, Nigeria. South African Journal of African Languages.