Nigerian Researcher, Raphael Ebiefung Wins Prestigious Fellowship in U.S.
A Nigerian academic, Raphael Ebiefung, has been selected for the Grace Jordan McFadden Professor Programme Fellowship at the University of South Carolina, a recognition reserved for outstanding scholars driving innovation and tackling social challenges.
The institution, in a statement, described the fellowship as “highly competitive” and noted that recipients are chosen for their capacity to advance knowledge while addressing pressing global issues.
Ebiefung, who is pursuing doctoral research, previously served as an assistant lecturer and librarian at Top-Faith University, Nigeria. His work focuses on human-AI interaction and information behaviour.
According to the University, he will be joining “an elite group of scholars shaping the future of higher education and interdisciplinary inquiry.”
Reacting to the honour, Ebiefung said the award represents both a personal milestone and a reflection of Nigeria’s academic potential.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Grace Jordan McFadden Fellowship. It is a testament to the resilience and potential of young Nigerian academics striving to make a global impact,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of his research, he added:
“My research seeks to understand the dynamics of human behaviour in relation to AI systems. This area is critical as we move deeper into the digital age.”
Ebiefung’s recognition adds to a growing list of Nigerians making their mark in global academia. In August, Nigerian scientist Deborah Agbakwuru won the prestigious Besancon Scholarship at the University of Montana, an award given annually to exceptional graduate researchers in the sciences.
Likewise, Nigerian-born researcher Peter Ngene, an associate professor at the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, received a €2 million grant from the European Research Council in 2024.
His project explored ionic conductivity in nanocomposite solid-state electrolytes, a field critical to advancing energy storage technologies.
These successes continue to highlight the contributions of Nigerian scholars to cutting-edge research and global knowledge production.
Punch
