Professor Olufúnké Mojúbàolú-Okome, a distinguished professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College, CUNY, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Lagos Studies Association Distinguished Scholar Award.
Recognized for her pioneering contributions to African Studies and advocacy for human rights, Professor Mojúbàolú-Okome was honoured on Friday at the University of Lagos as part of the annual conference of the Association.
The LSA Distinguished Scholar Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Lagos and Nigerian Studies.
Professor Mojúbàolú Okome‘s scholarship delves into the complexities of inclusive citizenship within the context of globalization, democratization, and economic development.
She previously served as the Women’s Studies Program Director and Deputy Chair for Graduate Studies in the Department of Political Science at Brooklyn College.
As the Founder of the acclaimed Ìrìnkèrindò – International Journal of African Migration (IJAM), cited in over 159 libraries worldwide, she has spearheaded efforts to promote research on Africa from an indigenous perspective.
Her scholarly journey is marked by a commitment to inclusive citizenship and social justice, evident in her pivotal roles as Director of the Women’s Studies Program at Brooklyn College and President of the African Studies Research & Forum (ASRF).
Under her leadership, ASRF has facilitated interdisciplinary research, integrated African Studies into educational curricula, and organized international conferences fostering excellence in African education.
Professor Okome’s scholarly publications, including “Contextualizing Democracy, Nigerian Youth Protest and Activism” (2023) and “The Chibok Girls: Structural Violence, Gender, and Education in Nigeria’s Northeast” (2023), illuminate critical issues of political engagement and gender rights in contemporary African contexts.
Her editorial contributions and manuscript reviews have amplified the voices of scholars across continents, contributing significantly to global academic discourse.
Professor Okome has mentored graduate students and supervised numerous theses exploring the intersections of globalization, post-colonialism, and socio-political dynamics in Africa.
Her extensive academic career has been distinguished by awards such as the Carnegie African Diaspora Alumni Fellowship (2023) and the Tow Award for Scholarly Activism (2022) from Brooklyn College, CUNY. She has also served as a Fulbright Specialist Scholar (2017-2022), further enriching scholarly exchange and collaboration.
Professor Okome’s enduring dedication to advancing women’s rights, minority inclusion, and the equitable representation of marginalized communities underscores her transformative impact on academia and society.
Her advocacy for a nuanced understanding of citizenship rights and socio-political inclusion continues to shape scholarly inquiry and policy discourse, positioning her as a leading voice in African Studies globally.
