President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to six distinguished Nigerian scientists and engineers in the diaspora who were recently honoured by U.S. President Joe Biden. The six individuals were among the 400 recipients of the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in the United States.
In addition, Tinubu also lauded Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mr Fola Adeola, and Mr Kola Adesina for receiving honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to global trade, banking, and the energy sector.
Tinubu Commends Nigerian Scientists for Global Recognition
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu celebrated the Nigerian scientists and engineers who made it to Biden’s honours list. He described their achievements as a testament to Nigeria’s intellectual and scientific potential.
The awardees include:
Azeez Butali, a Gilbert Lilly Endowed Professor of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Iowa.
Ijeoma Opara, an Associate Professor of Public Health at Yale University.
Oluwatomi Akindele, a Postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Eno Ebong, an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Northeastern University.
Oluwasanmi Koyejo, an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University.
Abidemi Ajiboye, the Executive Vice Chair of the Case School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University.
President Tinubu noted that the PECASE award, established in 1996 by former President Bill Clinton, is the highest recognition bestowed by the U.S. government on early-career scientists and engineers. He emphasized that their achievements reflect Nigeria’s ability to produce world-class innovators who contribute to global advancements in science and technology.
Nigeria’s Scientific Talents and the Renewed Hope Agenda
Tinubu expressed pride in the awardees, stating that their recognition by President Biden underscores the global impact of Nigerian talent in science and engineering. He emphasized that their expertise would be invaluable to Nigeria’s development under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to drive technological innovation, education, and economic transformation.
“Their achievements reinforce our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting Nigerians excelling in various fields,” the statement read. The President urged the honourees to collaborate with local institutions to transfer their knowledge and expertise to young Nigerian scientists and engineers.
The honourees, who are employed or funded by 14 different U.S. government agencies, have demonstrated groundbreaking research in areas such as biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, and public health, positioning Nigeria as a country with a strong pool of scientific talent.
Tinubu Commends Okonjo-Iweala’s Global Impact
President Tinubu lauded Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), for her trailblazing leadership and transformative economic policies. As the first African woman to lead the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala has played a pivotal role in reshaping global trade dynamics, advocating for fairer trade policies that benefit developing nations, including Nigeria.
The President recognized her immense contributions to Nigeria’s financial sector, particularly during her tenure as Minister of Finance, where she spearheaded key economic reforms that stabilized the nation’s economy. He noted that her honorary doctorate is a testament to her exceptional service and a well-deserved acknowledgment of her global achievements in economic governance.
Adeola’s Role in Banking and Entrepreneurship Lauded
Tinubu also praised Mr. Fola Adeola, co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and founder of the FATE Foundation, for his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry and entrepreneurial development. Adeola played a crucial role in revolutionizing Nigeria’s financial sector by introducing modern banking standards and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
Beyond banking, the President acknowledged Adeola’s dedication to mentoring young entrepreneurs through the FATE Foundation. Through this initiative, he has empowered thousands of aspiring business owners with training, funding, and strategic support, driving job creation and economic growth. Tinubu emphasized that Adeola’s honorary doctorate reflects his lasting impact on Nigeria’s financial and business landscapes.
Adesina Celebrated for Innovation in Energy Sector
President Tinubu extended special congratulations to Mr. Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group and a proud UNILAG alumnus, for his leadership in Nigeria’s energy sector. Under his stewardship, Sahara Power Group has championed sustainable power solutions and expanded infrastructure across 42 countries, significantly improving access to electricity in Africa.
In a personal message, Tinubu highlighted Adesina’s transformative work in advancing engineering standards and pioneering energy innovations. He noted that the honorary doctorate awarded to Adesina is a recognition of his tireless efforts to modernize Nigeria’s power sector and his unwavering commitment to national development.
Okonjo-Iweala, Adeola, and Adesina Honoured by UNILAG
In a separate congratulatory message, Tinubu celebrated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mr Fola Adeola, and Mr Kola Adesina for receiving honorary doctorate degrees from UNILAG during its 55th convocation ceremony on January 16. The university recognized their outstanding contributions to their respective fields.
Dr Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), was honoured for her trailblazing role as the first African woman to lead the WTO and her financial sector reforms in Nigeria. Fola Adeola, co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank) and founder of the FATE Foundation, was recognized for his contributions to the Nigerian banking industry and mentorship of young entrepreneurs.
Mr Kola Adesina, the Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, received recognition for his pioneering work in the energy and infrastructure sector. The university acknowledged his innovative strategies that have improved Nigeria’s power sector and expanded energy solutions across 42 countries where Sahara Power operates.
Tinubu Applauds Role Models for Nigerian Youth
President Tinubu hailed the awardees as inspirational figures for young Nigerians, emphasizing that their success stories should serve as motivation for the nation’s youth. He described their achievements as a source of national pride, demonstrating that Nigerians can compete and excel globally in finance, trade, and engineering.
In a letter to Mr Kola Adesina, Tinubu praised his contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector, stating that his recognition by UNILAG was a testament to his commitment to national development. He further expressed hope that their continued success would inspire young Nigerians to pursue excellence in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth.
As Nigeria continues to witness the global recognition of its citizens, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an environment where talent can thrive, ensuring that more Nigerians attain similar heights in various sectors worldwide.
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