President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated a prominent Professor of History and African and African Diaspora Studies, Florida International University, Prof. Saheed Aderinto, for winning the prestigious Dan David $300,000 prize in History.
In a personal statement, Tinubu said: “By this rare achievement, Prof. Aderinto has not only further etched his name in academic excellence but has also made Nigeria, Africa, and the entire Black race proud, for which we must all remain thankful to him.
“I commend the Selection Committee of the international award for recognising the useful contributions of Prof. Aderinto to the study of History and for making an excellent pick.
“It is noteworthy that the Selection Committee eulogised the Nigerian, saying, in his work, he ‘situates African history at the cutting edge of diverse literatures in the histories of sexuality, nonhumans, and violence, noting that it is exceptional to see a single person leading scholarship in all these fields.
“This academic accomplishment speaks to the Nigerian can-do spirit and our ability to be the very best we can be wherever and in whatever field we find ourselves.
“The award has again underscored the importance of the study of history in our schools.
“On my part, I will do all that is necessary to get our people to rise to any level they desire in all areas, including the academia.
“I congratulate Prof. Aderinto, our worthy ambassador. I hope and pray that this award spurs many of our young people to rise to the zenith in their careers”.
