President Bola Tinubu has congratulated six Nigerians in the diaspora who have been recognized among the 400 recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in the United States.
This award, introduced by former President Bill Clinton in 1996, is the highest honour granted by the US government to early-career scientists and engineers for their outstanding contributions.
Nigerian Awardees
The recipients, announced by President Joe Biden on January 14, 2025, include distinguished Nigerians excelling in various scientific and engineering disciplines. They are:
- Azeez Butali – Gilbert Lilly Endowed Professor of Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa.
- Ijeoma Opara – Associate Professor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences), Yale School of Public Health, Yale University.
- Oluwatomi Akindele – Postdoctoral Researcher, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
- Eno Ebong – Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Biology, Northeastern University.
- Oluwasanmi Koyejo – Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Stanford University.
- Abidemi Ajiboye – Executive Vice Chair, Case School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University.
President Tinubu’s Commendation
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu praised the honorees for their remarkable achievements in science, technology, and engineering, describing them as a testament to the vast potential of Nigerians to excel on a global stage.
“The recognition of these exceptional talents underscores Nigerians’ ability to thrive and make groundbreaking contributions worldwide,” the President stated.
Vision for Nigeria
President Tinubu expressed optimism that the honorees would bring their expertise to bear on Nigeria’s development initiatives under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Significance of the Award
The PECASE awards are sponsored by 14 US government agencies, celebrating individuals who demonstrate innovative approaches to science and technology that advance the nation’s goals.
This achievement highlights the growing influence and success of Nigerian professionals in the global arena.
