Tinubu Hails Six Nigerians on Biden’s Honors List
President Bola Tinubu has extended his congratulations to six outstanding Nigerians in the diaspora who were named among the 400 recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) by President Joe Biden.
This award, established in 1996 by former President Bill Clinton, is the highest honor the U.S. government bestows on early-career scientists and engineers.
President Tinubu also celebrated the recognition of three distinguished Nigerians—Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization; Mr. Fola Adeola, co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc; and Mr. Kola Adesina, Managing Director of Sahara Power Group—who were conferred honorary doctorate degrees by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) during its 55th convocation ceremony.
The PECASE honorees, announced by President Biden on January 14, 2025, are supported by 14 U.S. government agencies and include notable Nigerian scholars such as Azeez Butali, Ijeoma Opara, Oluwatomi Akindele, Eno Ebong, Oluwasanmi Koyejo, and Abidemi Ajiboye.
These individuals were recognized for their contributions to fields ranging from dentistry and public health to engineering and computer science.
In a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu lauded the awardees for their groundbreaking achievements, emphasizing how their recognition reflects the exceptional talent of Nigerians both domestically and abroad.
He expressed hope that their expertise would contribute to national development under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President also commended the University of Lagos honorees for their significant contributions to various sectors. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala was honored for her leadership at the WTO and reforms in Nigeria’s financial sector.
Mr. Adeola was recognized for his pioneering efforts in banking and his mentorship of young entrepreneurs through the FATE Foundation.
Mr. Adesina, an alumnus of UNILAG, received praise for his innovative impact in the energy industry as the Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group.
In his congratulatory remarks, Tinubu highlighted the achievements of these exemplary individuals as a source of pride for Nigeria and inspiration for future generations.
He urged them to continue their impactful work and wished them further success in their endeavors.