Benue State University, Makurdi, has honored Professor Toyin Falola, a globally renowned historian and scholar, with the prestigious honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree. The award, a centerpiece of the university’s 2024 convocation ceremonies, recognizes Falola’s groundbreaking contributions to African studies and his tireless advocacy for repositioning African epistemologies on the global stage.
The ceremony, held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, celebrated the profound impact of Professor Falola’s work in academia. Currently holding the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin, Falola is internationally acclaimed for his scholarship, which spans history, philosophy, and African cultural studies.
In his acceptance speech, Professor Falola expressed heartfelt gratitude to the university, describing the honor as one of the most meaningful milestones in his illustrious career. “I appreciate the decision of the university administration and community to find me worthy of this honour and their subscription to my life effort of repositioning the place of Africa and Nigeria in the global politics of knowledge and history,” he said.
Falola underscored the symbolic weight of the award, linking it to his lifelong mission of deconstructing Eurocentric narratives and advocating for the recognition of African epistemologies. He reflected on the barriers African scholars face in a world that often marginalizes non-Western knowledge systems. According to him, “For centuries, the enlightenment ideals persuaded by the world have been dominated by Eurocentric perspectives adopted as the objective test of knowledge in universal conceptualisations,” he noted. “African epistemologies have been seen as subjective and informal, putting the continent and those of its origin in constructive ideological bondage.”
Falola also used the occasion to highlight the systemic challenges facing African academics, lamenting the dwindling appeal of academia among Africa’s brightest minds. “Academics have gradually become an unattractive field and endeavour, especially in Africa and many parts of the world. Our universities are losing their most brilliant minds and facing a shortage of faculties to propel the African culture of excellence,” he stated.
Despite these challenges, Falola emphasized that recognitions like the honorary D.Litt. are essential for inspiring younger scholars. “This honour is a message to the upcoming scholars that what they face at the moment is not all there is about academics. It is a reminder that our efforts are recognized globally and that there are arrays of opportunities available to them,” he added.
Professor Falola praised Benue State University for its commitment to fostering intellectual growth and cultural awareness, describing it as a beacon of diversity and innovation. For him, “The University is globally known for its strength in diversity and the rich cultural presence in its syllabus, engagements, and pedagogical approaches,” he observed. “BSU has distinguished itself by bringing these attributes to the people of Benue State and accelerating the state’s effort to become an intellectual backbone of the country and Africa.”
Falola highlighted the importance of collaboration between academic institutions, stakeholders, and governments to strengthen the foundations of education in Nigeria. He called for increased sponsorship and support to ensure BSU achieves its ambitions of competing internationally.
As a scholar whose career is deeply rooted in exploring African cultures, traditions, and histories, Falola reaffirmed his dedication to advancing African knowledge systems. “This honour for my contributions to the development of African epistemology is a confirmation that the pursuit of knowledge is an unending voyage, with each discovery unveiling deeper truths that can set one free,” he said. “This award would be a reminder to me to recommit myself to the tenets upon which my career has been built and would be a boost for continuing contributions even at this age,” he stated.
Professor Falola’s academic journey is a testament to his unparalleled commitment to African studies. In addition to his position at the University of Texas, he holds three Distinguished Professorships in South Africa and an Emeritus Professorship in Nigeria. His work has not only reshaped how African history is perceived but has also inspired countless scholars across the globe.
The honorary D.Litt. from Benue State University is both a recognition of his past achievements and a challenge to continue pushing the boundaries of African scholarship.
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