Dr. Katumusiime Jacob of Makerere and Institute of Social Research (MISR), Kampala, Uganda, has emerged as the winner of the 2024 Rahamon Bello Best PhD Thesis Award Edutimes Africa learnt.
The Institute of Africa and Diaspora Studies (IADS) at the University of Lagos organized the award, now in its fifth edition.
Announcing the results in Lagos, the Director of IADS, Prof. Olumuyiwa Falaiye, revealed that 56 PhD theses were submitted from various institutions across the continent.
The entries were narrowed down to 26, and then to the top three.
Dr. Katumusiime’s thesis, titled “Beyond Religio-Cultural Violence: A Historico-Political Re-contextualisation of the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God”, was selected as the best. He will receive a cash prize of $1,000, a plaque, and other associated opportunities.
The second position went to Dr. Raheem Oluwafunminiyi Wasiu for his thesis, “A History of Sacred Water Bodies (Holy Wells) in Yorubaland Up to 2016”, submitted to the University of Ilorin. Dr. Raheem, a lecturer at Osun State University, will receive $300, a plaque, and a certificate.
Dr. Oshodi Kafayat Omowonuola took the third position with her thesis, “Spousal Development and Perceived Perinatal Risks Experience Among Army Personnel Wives in Selected Barracks in the Southwest, Nigeria”. She will be awarded $200, a plaque, and a certificate.
According to Prof. Falaiye, the independent assessors described the winning theses as “fascinating and technically sound.” He noted that the awards highlight the importance of cutting-edge research by early-career African scholars and called for increased financial support for research to foster development and innovation.
The award presentation is scheduled for December 5, 2024, at the University of Lagos.
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