AUSTIN, Texas—Dr. Toyin Falola, a professor of history at The University of Texas at Austin, has been appointed a chief in the council to King Oba Asulu V, the Alauga of Auga, in Nigeria. The honor is bestowed upon those who have distinguished themselves in their professions and have contributed to the growth and development of their societies.
According to the Council of Chiefs of Auga, Falola was awarded the title “inrecognition of various contributions to scholarship, the dignity associated withthe scholarship and its conduct, and the knowledge it has yielded to the developmentof Africa in particular and humanity in general.”
Falola is the Frances Higginbothom Nalle Centennial Professor in History in the College of Liberal Arts and has published more than 50 volumes relating to Nigerian and African history. His work includes “Violence in Nigeria: The Crisis of Religious Politics and Secular Ideologies” and “Nationalism and African Intellectual.” Falola is also the co-editor of the Journal of African Economic History, series editor of Rochester Studies in African History and the Diaspora, series editor of the Culture and Customs of Africa by Greenwood Press and series editor of Classic Authors and Texts on Africa by Africa World Press.
Falola has received numerous teaching awards and honors; most recently he has been admitted to the Academy of Distinguished Teachers at the university. For his notable contribution to the study of Africa, his students and colleagues have presented him with “The Transformation of Nigeria: Essays in Honor of Toyin Falola” and “The Foundations of Nigeria: Essays in Honor of Toyin Falola,” edited by Adebayo Oyebade.
In his role as a chief, Falola will serve as a member of the king’s council, advising the king and contributing to the development of the society. Chiefs also review judicial cases governed by customary laws and promote the corporate interests of the people.
For more information contact: Robin Gerrow, College of Liberal Arts, 512-232-2145.
