The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, congratulated Mr Saheed Aderinto, a Professor of History and African Diaspora Studies, Florida International University, for winning the prestigious Dan David Prize.
He won the largest financial reward for excellence in the historical discipline in the world.
President Buhari stated with joy through his spokesman, Femi Adesina, that by being the first and only Nigerian to win the prestigious prize of $300,000, Mr Saheed Aderinto situated African history at the forefront of diverse literature in the histories of sexuality, nonhumans, and violence.
The President also commended the selection committee of the international award, which was created 21 years ago, for recognizing the importance of studying history as it brings the past to life.
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As a firm supporter of the teaching of history as an independent subject in all basic and secondary schools across the country, President Buhari said he values the support of individuals who, like Prof Aderinto, are passionate about improving the educational sector.
In concluding his congratulatory message, The President hailed Professor Aderinto for representing the country excellently and for reminding Nigerians of how important it is to know their history.
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Senate bill to enforce teaching of history in schools
Meanwhile, The Senate is poised to make mandatory the teaching of the country’s history in secondary schools and tertiary institutions across the federation.
This would be through a bill introduced yesterday on the floor of the Senate.
The bill sponsored by Senator Adeyemi Oriolowo, was read for the first time at yesterday’s sitting in the Senate chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja.
