The Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS), University of Lagos (UNILAG) is calling for applications for the 2025 Rahamon Bello Best Ph.D. Thesis Award in African and Diaspora Studies.
This prestigious award seeks to encourage and appreciate early career scholars whose Ph.D. theses address African and diaspora issues and the reconfiguration of African Studies. The award promotes trailblazing intellectual and multidisciplinary research works in African Studies.
The honouree of the award is Professor Rahamon Bello, FAEng, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Nigeria. The winner of the award will receive the sum of $1,000 (One thousand US Dollars) while the first runner-up will receive $300 (Three hundred US Dollars), and the second runner-up will receive $200 (Two hundred US Dollars).
Eligibility
- An applicant must have completed the doctorate in any university/research institute domiciled in Africa between June 1, 2023 and June 31, 2025;
- An applicant’s field of study must be within the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Management Sciences, and Education.
Documents to be submitted
- A cover letter/letter of interest stating the motivation to apply for the award;
- An extended abstract of the Ph.D. thesis (written in English) of not more than 1,500 words, including background of the study, statement of the problem, aim and objectives, scope of the study, significance of the study, theoretical framework, methodology, findings, and contributions to knowledge;
- A soft copy of the Ph.D. thesis;
- An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV), including academic status, employment history, and publication records; and
- A soft copy of the Ph.D. certificate.
- All documents should be in the English Language.
Important dates
- Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 11.59p.m. WAT (mid-night): Application closes.
- Wednesday, October 1 to Friday, October 31, 2025: Assessment of applications by an independent selection committee.
- Thursday, November 20, 2025: Announcement of the award winner.
For information on how to apply and further enquiries, please click: https://bit.ly/46oQj6Z or call: +234 8020518923.
