A Nigerian professor, Deji Akinwande, has received America’s highest research award.

Earlier in the year, he was named by President Barack Obama, as one of the recipients of “the highest honour bestowed by the US government for science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers”.

He was awarded on May 5, 2016, at the White House, where the 105 researchers were hosted.

    
 
The White house said Akinwande was awarded for his “outstanding research accomplishments in nanomaterials, graphene device physics, and opto-electronics, and for dedication to the education of future scientists and engineers”.

Annoucing the winners earlier in the year, Obama said: “These early-career scientists are leading the way in our efforts to confront and understand challenges from climate change to our health and wellness.

“We congratulate these accomplished individuals and encourage them to continue to serve as an example of the incredible promise and ingenuity of the American people.”

Akinwande was born in Nigeria and grew up in Ikeja, in 1994 he left Nigeria for America as a teenager.


The Cable