…Adebanwi’s an African gem, role model – Buhari
…Thank Adebanwi! You have set a high standard and record – Tinubu
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Nigerian author and scholar, Wale Adebanwi, on his appointment as Rhodes Professor in Race Relations at the School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, describing him as an African gem and role model who has brought honour and respect to the continent.
Buhari, in a statement issued by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) on Saturday said as the first black African scholar to be appointed to the endowed Chair since it was created more than 60 years ago, Prof. Adebanwi’s sharp intellect and distinguished learning was worthy of emulation by other young Nigerians.
The statement said the President, who has maintained a keen interest in the soaring profile of the scholar right from his early years in journalism in Nigeria to a lecturer in the University of Ibadan, was delighted to see him achieve this much very early in his life.
“At just 47 years, President Buhari notes that young Africans like Adebanwi are showing the wit, steadfastness, creative energy and astuteness of renowned African writers and intellectuals such as Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, John Pepper Clark and Abubakar Imam who put the continent on the world’s knowledge map.
“He is a source of pride and inspiration to Black Africa as a whole. President Buhari wishes the distinguished scholar more notable successes as he clinches laurel upon laurel on his steady rise as a scholar of international distinction,” the statement said.
All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, also congratulated Prof. Adebanwi, on his appointment.
He said with his appointment to the prestigious professorial chair, Adebanwi had made Nigeria and Africa proud.
Asiwaju Tinubu, who disclosed that the scholar had related closely with him, said he remains proud of Adebanwi and his academic achievements.
In a statement released at the weekend by his Media Office, the former Lagos governor said: “I congratulate you on your appointment to the prestigious Rhodes Professorship in Race Relations at the School of Interdisciplinary Area Studies, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
“You represent a new generation of Nigerian intellectuals who have refused to be slowed down by any obstacle. But are bold, courageous and with a knack for intellectual curiosity.
“Your love for Nigeria is never in doubt and each time we speak during your visit to Nigeria, our conversations and atimes arguments center around how Nigeria can attain true greatness.
“You have set a high standard and record as the first black African academic to be appointed to that prestigious chair since its creation.
“Adebanwi, you have always distinguished yourself as a scholar of note. As someone who has related closely with me, you have made me proud. You have made Nigeria proud. You have put Africa on the map of honour and pride.
“Thank you Adebanwi”.
Thank God for this man’s success, but would aill these leaders jumping for joy now have allowed him to succeed if he had not left Nigeria. How many talents have they killed by their greed and avarance. Food for thought for all of them. May God forgive them all