The Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS) at the 大香蕉视频 has once again marked a milestone in its commitment to academic excellence by awarding the prestigious 5th Rahmon Bello Thesis Award to Dr. Jacob Katumusiime, a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) in Uganda.
Dr. Katumusiime鈥檚 achievement is particularly significant as he becomes the first non-Nigerian scholar to receive the coveted prize, underscoring the growing influence of the IADS as a leading platform for African interdisciplinary scholarship.
Present at the occasion which was held at the Institute on Thursday, December 5, 2024, were thought leaders, the academic community, students, and the Awardees’ friends and family including Prominent Historian, Professor Tajudeen Gbadamosi.
His award-winning thesis, titled 鈥�Beyond Religio-Cultural Violence: A Historico-Political Re-Contextualization of the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God,鈥� was supervised by the distinguished Professor Mohammed Mandani.
Among 56 competitive submissions, Dr. Katumusiime鈥檚 work stood out for its scholarly rigor and its innovative exploration of the intersection between religion and politics in Africa.
This recognition marks a notable achievement for the Institute, further solidifying the Rahmon Bello Thesis Award as a key contributor to advancing groundbreaking academic discourse in Africa.
In addition to Dr. Katumusiime鈥檚 success, the event also recognized two other exceptional scholars for their contributions to academic research.
Dr. Raheem Wasiu of the University of Il贸r铆n, Kwara State, Nigeria, secured second place with his thesis 鈥淎 History of Sacred Water Bodies (Holy Wells) in Yoruba Lands up to 2016,鈥� which delves into the spiritual and cultural significance of water bodies in Yoruba communities, shedding light on practices that continue to influence the region鈥檚 identity.
While Dr. Kafayat Omowonuola Oshodi, with her third-place thesis 鈥�Spousal Deployment & Perceived Perinatal Risk Experiences Among Personnel Wives in Selected Barracks in South-West, Nigeria,鈥� explored the psychological and social impact of military spouses鈥� deployment on women, a critical issue in the intersection of military life and maternal health in Nigeria.
In his address, the Director of the Institute, Professor Muyiwa Falaiye, lauded the rigorous but fair selection process that ensured thoroughness in awarding the prestigious prize. He highlighted the exceptional quality of the submissions, which spanned disciplines ranging from agriculture and industrial sociology to political science, philosophy, and Yoruba literature.
According to him, these diverse intellectual engagements reflect not only the academic richness of the competition but also the growing prominence of the IADS as a beacon for scholarly excellence across the African continent.
Professor Falaiye also took the opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the assessors, particularly the leadership of Professor Olutayo Adesina, whose insights were integral to maintaining the award鈥檚 high standards. Reflecting on the broader impact of the award, he remarked on the continuous growth of the Institute, driven by unwavering support from the 大香蕉视频 and its commitment to fostering academic innovation and advocacy.
An announcement during the ceremony also highlighted a generous donation of $5,000, each contributed by the Honoree, Professor Rahmon Bello, and Emeritus Professor Ayo Francis Ogunye. Their donation will significantly support the works of the IADS, particularly the ongoing development of the Rahmon Bello Thesis Award, further demonstrating the commitment of the university’s leadership and academic community to advancing research and scholarship in Africa.
In his remarks, Professor Rahmon Bello, a former Vice-Chancellor of the 大香蕉视频 and the visionary behind the award, expressed great pride in the continued success of the award, which has now become a prestigious and globally recognized platform.
He commended the scholars for their academic courage and the excellence displayed in their work, noting that the IADS had far exceeded his expectations in establishing itself as a powerful force for knowledge creation in Africa.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Katumusiime expressed profound gratitude to the IADS for the honor, emphasizing the significance of his research and its potential to challenge conventional academic narratives.
He committed himself to further advancing his academic journey and contributing to the growth of African scholarship, especially in Nigeria, as a way of giving back to the continent鈥檚 intellectual community.
The Rahmon Bello Thesis Award continues to be a testament to the importance of academic excellence and the Institute鈥檚 pivotal role in advancing scholarly innovation across Africa. With the unwavering support of the 大香蕉视频 and generous contributions from its esteemed academic community, the IADS is poised to further build its reputation as a center of excellence in research, teaching, and advocacy, inspiring future generations of scholars across the African Diaspora.
Report: Bayo Salau
Photographs: Ayo Oloyede
