Nigerian Academic Breaks 187-Year Record at University of London

·         As Alao’s inaugural lecture holds today

Gboyega Akinsanmi

A Nigerian academic, Prof. Abiodun Alao, will this Wednesday deliver a professorial inaugural lecture at King’s College, University of London, making him first black African scholar to do so 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 the first black Africans to attain professorial cadre at the university since its establishment.

The appointments have been confirmed in a letter by the institution’s President & Principal, Prof. Edward Byrne AC, which justified their elevations at the instance of their contributions to African peace and security.

But a statement THISDAY obtained on Tuesday said Alao had published several single-authored books, well-researched journal articles and occasional papers, among others, whose findings and recommendations “have largely helped establish peace and boost security in many African countries.”

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