AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Old Students’ Association of Ibadan City Academy felicitates Prof. Saheed Aderinto, one of its members, who emerged as this year’s winner of the Dan David Prize.
Aderinto, a 44-year-old Nigerian-American Professor of History and African and Diaspora Studies at the Florida International University, is the first Nigerian to receive the $300,000 Dan David Prize, an endowment founded in year 2000 by a Romanian-born Israeli businessman and philanthropist named Dan David.
The Old Students of Ibadan City Academy, in a statement that was E-signed by Tunde Akintunde, President General of ICAOSA Global; and Lasun Babajide, it’s Secretary General, said that the renowned historian had done its alma mater proud.
The statement made available to OyoReporters on Tuesday, titled, ‘Congratulatory message to Professor Saheed Aderinto: The pride and shinning star of Ibadan City Academy, the school on the hill,’ read in parts, “On behalf of Ibadan City Academy Old Students’ Association, we gladly express our joy and admiration to one of our own, Professor Saheed Aderinto (1996 set) for doing us proud as a world champion in the field of history, winning the prestigious Dan David Prize – the largest financial reward for excellence in the historical discipline universally.
“We are extremely happy and felicitate with you for being pronounced exceptional and single handedly leading scholarship in various fields in African history.
“We hereby identify and share with you this joyful moment of yours and salute your originality, courage and exhibition of strong potential for excellence, innovation and leadership which singled you out for this well-deserved honor.
“You are our pride and (we are) indeed glad that you brought honor to Nigeria and Africa in general. You are one of the few Nigerians in diaspora giving positive narratives to our country. This achievement of yours would definitely spur the teaching and learning of history as a stand-alone subject in basic and secondary schools across the country, most especially our darling Slschool, Ibadan City Academy.
“Thanks for showcasing us to the academic worldwide. You are awesome and a worthy ambassador of our alma mater.Once more, Accept our congratulations on this great achievement. Wishing you more wins.”
Aderinto is the Founding President of Lagos Studies Association.
