Professor Akinwumi Ogundiran, a prominent Nigerian archaeologist and historian, has been elected as the 18th President of the esteemed Society of Africanist Archaeologists. This marks the first time a Nigerian will lead the world’s largest African archaeological association, which boasts a membership of over 1,500 professionals from across the globe.
The Society of Africanist Archaeologists is dedicated to the study of Africa’s rich history and archaeology, with its members renowned for their significant discoveries across the continent. Professor Ogundiran emerged victorious in the presidential elections, garnering the majority of votes among three candidates vying for the prestigious position.
Dr. Kolawole Adekola, a member of the elections committee and a scholar from the University of Ibadan, expressed pride in the election of Professor Ogundiran, emphasizing the impact of Nigerian archaeologists on the world stage. He hailed Professor Ogundiran’s contributions to advancing the study of Nigerian history and archaeology on a global scale.
Acknowledging the organization’s confidence in him, Professor Ogundiran expressed his gratitude and pledged to dedicate his tenure as president to furthering the society’s mission. He outlined his priorities, stating, “I will work towards collaborating with African and international partners to preserve African archaeological heritage sites and integrate these concerns into policy-making processes. My aim is to facilitate greater collaboration among Africans and their counterparts worldwide, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding.”
Born in Ibadan, Professor Akin Ogundiran’s academic journey began at Okusehinde Primary School, Aremo, and African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta. He achieved academic excellence, earning a B.A. (First Class Honors) from Obafemi Awolowo University, an M.Sc. from the University of Ibadan, and a Ph.D. from Boston University in the United States.
Renowned for his groundbreaking research on Yoruba history and the African Diaspora, Professor Ogundiran has authored six books and over 60 other publications. His recent book, “The Yoruba: A New History,” received prestigious recognition, winning both the Vinson Sutlive Prize and Isaac Delano Prize.
A highly decorated scholar, Professor Ogundiran serves as the Editor-in-Chief of African Archaeological Review, a leading journal in African archaeology. He possesses a wealth of experience in academic administration, having chaired the Department of Africana Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for over a decade. Until recently, he held one of the university’s three Chancellor Professorship titles. In September, he is scheduled to assume an endowed professor chair at Northwestern University. Additionally, he holds a Senior Research Fellow position at the esteemed Dumbarton Oaks research center in Washington DC and serves as a Visiting Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology at his alma mater, the University of Ibadan.
The election of Professor Akinwumi Ogundiran as President of the Society of Africanist Archaeologists reflects not only his distinguished career but also highlights the significant contributions of Nigerian archaeologists to the global academic community. His leadership is poised to further elevate the study of Africa’s past and promote international collaboration in the field of archaeology.
