The world’s largest award for historical scholarship, the 2025 Dan David Prize, has named nine recipients, including Dr. Abidemi Babatunde Babalola, an archaeologist from Nigeria. He received this award for is discovery of proof of indigenous glass beads in Ile Ife. The esteemed award, which is based at Tel Aviv University and is endowed by the Dan David Foundation, honors exceptional contributions to the study of human history.
Each winner will get $300,000 (USD) to fund further research and innovation because of their significant work and bright future. Joining a global group of early- and mid-career researchers and practitioners whose work spans Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas is Dr. Babalola, a research archaeologist at the British Museum.
In Nigeria, Babalola has made great progress in bringing archaeology closer to the local populace. In addition to writing scholarly works, he regularly participates in public outreach initiatives, assisting Nigerians in rediscovering their cultural legacy. Notably, he was the chief archaeologist for the Museum of West African Arts, a historic establishment that will open in Benin City later this year.
The Dan David Prize honors cutting-edge studies that expand on our knowledge of the past and its relevance to the present and future. Nigeria now stands on the international map of cutting-edge historical and archaeological research thanks to Dr. Babalola’s recognition.
