2024 Honorary Degree Recipient
Honorary Degrees and the Order of the University of Calgary Recipients
The Office of the Chancellor and Senate bestows two prestigious awards during convocation each term for people making an impact in our community and around the world: Honorary Degrees and the Order of the University of Calgary.
Dr. Toyin Falola
Conferral and address – Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2 p.m. ceremony
Dr. Toyin Falola, PhD, a renowned Nigerian historian and professor, is internationally recognized for his work in African history, diaspora studies and cultural analysis, challenging Western perspectives on Africa.
He has authored more than 100 books and articles and lectured in more than 65 countries, his work making a significant impact on UCalgary through collaborative publications and major lectures.
Falola is an advocate, mentor, author, poet, leader and visionary. He has served on numerous editorial boards, led academic conferences and workshops, and engaged with UNESCO’s International Scientific Committee. Falola even inspired the Toyin Falola Annual Conference on Africa and the African Diaspora (TOFAC).
His contributions have earned him several prestigious awards, including the Distinguished Africanist Award, the Canadian African Studies Association's Lifetime Career Award and several additional accolades from the University of Texas, where he teaches. Falola also holds African chieftaincy titles such as the Bobapitan of Ibadanland and the Bobapitan of Ondo Kingdom.