Nigerian become first black scholar to give lecture

olamide oni

April 27, 2016 11:43 AM

He co-authored the Concept Note for the Common Defence and Security Policy for the Africa Union and was the co-author of the first post-Civil War National Security Strategy Framework for Liberia.

Abiodun Alao

A Nigerian professor, Abiodun Alao, will break a 187-year-old record today, April 27, as he delivers inaugural lecture at King’s College, University of London.

This will make him the first black African scholar to deliver such lecture since the institution was established in 1829.

Alao, a professor of African Studies, was conferred with professorial title about two years ago alongside his Nigerian counterpart in the institution’s African Leadership Centre, Prof. Funmi Olonisakin, making them first black Africans to attain professorial cadre at the institution since its establishment.

According to a statement obtained by Vanguard, Alao has published several single-authored books, well-researched journal articles and occasional papers, among others. The statement also mentioned that the these efforts by Alao “have largely helped establish peace and boost security in many African countries.”

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The statement also said that Alao had distinguished himself in an institution that has produced 12 Nobel Laureates among its professors.

The Nigerian academic would today deliver his inaugural lecture, titled, “Africa: A Voice to be Heard, Not a Problem to be Solved” at the Edward Safra Lecture Theatre at the college’s main campus.

Ranking among the top 20 universities in the world, King’s College London holds a unique position in global scholarship, which the statement said, was evident in the landmark research works the institution’s professors and alumni had conducted since its establishment several decades ago.

olamide oni