President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has felicitated with Professor Jacob Kehinde Olupona as he marks his 75th birthday, lauding his outstanding contributions to the study of African religions and his impact on global scholarship. In a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Professor Olupona as a “distinguished scholar whose career embodies the resilience, brilliance, and global competitiveness of Nigerians.”
He highlighted the professor’s academic journey, which spans top institutions in Nigeria and the United States and culminates in leadership roles at Harvard University, as a shining example of intellectual excellence. Professor Olupona, who holds the prestigious Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM), serves as Professor of African Religious Traditions and chairs the Department of African and African American Studies at Harvard University.
His decades-long work has advanced the understanding of African religions worldwide, earning him recognition as one of Nigeria’s foremost scholars on the global stage. President Tinubu’s message underscores the importance of celebrating Nigerians who have made significant international contributions, positioning Professor Olupona as a role model for aspiring academics.
