In a ceremony celebrating excellence and innovation, United States President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) to 400 individuals on the 14th of January, 2025.
This prestigious honor, is the highest the U.S. government bestows on outstanding scientists and engineers, recognizes early-career professionals with remarkable potential for leadership and groundbreaking contributions to science and technology.
PECASE, established in 1996 by former President Bill Clinton, continues to symbolize the U.S. government’s dedication to fostering innovation. According to a statement from the White House, this year’s recipients are either employed or funded by 14 participating government agencies, further highlighting their vital role in advancing science and engineering.
Among the honorees were six exceptional Nigerians whose achievements have drawn global acclaim. Azeez Butali, a Gilbert Lilly-endowed professor of diagnostic sciences at the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry, was recognized alongside Ijeoma Opara, an associate professor of public health at Yale School of Public Health. Also honored was Oluwatomi Akindele, a postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Joining them were Eno Ebong, an associate professor specializing in chemical engineering, bioengineering, and biology at Northeastern University, Oluwasanmi Koyejo, an assistant professor of computer science at Stanford University, and Abidemi Ajiboye, the executive vice chair of biomedical engineering at Case Western Reserve University’s Case School of Engineering.
President Bola Tinubu praised the Nigerian recipients, describing their recognition as a testament to the extraordinary talents and capabilities of Nigerians on the global stage.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu expressed optimism that the honorees’ multidisciplinary expertise would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s developmental goals.
The achievements of these six Nigerians stand as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the impact of the country’s diaspora in shaping the future of science and technology.