Nigerian-born archaeologist and anthropological expert Abidemi Babalola has emerged as one of the nine global recipients of the 2025 Dan David Prize, the world’s largest financial award for history research. Babalola received the prestigious $300,000 prize at a ceremony held in Italy, in recognition of his pioneering contributions to historical scholarship through archaeology.

This honor places Babalola among a select group of early-to-mid-career scholars whose work has had a profound impact on the understanding of humanity’s past. His research stands out for its revolutionary approach to African archaeology, particularly in challenging outdated narratives about technological innovation on the continent.

A Spotlight on a Distinguished Scholar

Abidemi Babalola is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in African archaeology. Currently, he leads the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) Archaeology Project in Benin City, Nigeria, under the auspices of the British Museum’s Department of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas (AOA). His work at MOWAA is focused on unearthing and preserving West Africa’s rich material culture, especially as it relates to early technology and trade systems.

Before his current role, Babalola served as a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in the Scientific Research Department of the British Museum, where he specialized in the analysis of copper alloy artifacts from Nigeria’s Lower Niger region.

His academic journey spans continents. He earned his PhD in Anthropology and Archaeology from Rice University in Houston, Texas, after receiving both his MA and BA degrees from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. His academic and professional trajectory reflects a deep commitment to reconstructing Africa’s past from within its own context rather than through Western lenses.

Rewriting African Technological History

At the heart of Babalola’s research is a revolutionary reevaluation of Africa’s historical role in scientific and technological innovation—especially in the production and trade of glass beads.

Contrary to Eurocentric assumptions that complex technologies were introduced into Africa by foreign civilizations, Babalola’s work has revealed compelling evidence of indigenous glassmaking industries in pre-15th-century West Africa. His excavations have uncovered primary glass production centers in forested regions, demonstrating that African communities independently developed sophisticated techniques for glass bead manufacturing.

These locally produced beads were not merely decorative; they served as vital economic tools in both regional and long-distance trade networks, creating what Babalola terms the “glass bead roads.”

This path-breaking work challenges the dominant diffusionist model that claims all technology originated from a few advanced centers and instead highlights Africa’s role as a cradle of innovation, creativity, and scientific thought.

Global Recognition and Accolades

In addition to the Dan David Prize, Babalola has been lauded by multiple international institutions for his contributions to archaeology and heritage conservation:

• Shanghai Archaeology Forum Discovery Award (2019) – Honoring innovative archaeological discoveries worldwide

• World Archaeology Congress Blaze O’Connor Award (2022) – Recognizing research that enhances understanding of cultural identities

• Archaeological Institute of America Conservation and Heritage Site Award (2025) – Acknowledging efforts in safeguarding archaeological heritage

These accolades reflect a growing global appreciation for Babalola’s work and the importance of African-centered narratives in historical research.

About the Dan David Prize

The Dan David Prize is awarded annually by the Dan David Foundation and recognizes scholars whose work has significantly advanced the study of the human past. The prize was restructured in 2022 to focus exclusively on historical disciplines, and it now targets early- and mid-career researchers across the globe.

Each year, nine scholars from various regions—including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas—are awarded $300,000 each. The prize seeks to promote the value of history in shaping our collective future and emphasizes innovative, interdisciplinary, and impactful research.

A Vision for the Future

Speaking on the significance of his research, Babalola has emphasized the urgent need to decolonize archaeological narratives and embrace a more inclusive view of global history. He argues that failing to acknowledge African agency in technological development not only distorts history but also undermines the continent’s intellectual legacy.

His work stands as a beacon for African scholars and researchers, proving that the continent’s past is rich with complexity, innovation, and untold stories waiting to be revealed.

As Babalola continues to lead archaeological work at MOWAA and inspire the next generation of researchers, his recognition by the Dan David Prize signals a transformative moment—not only for African archaeology but for how global history is written and remembered.

Final Thoughts

Abidemi Babalola’s recognition with the 2025 Dan David Prize is far more than a personal achievement. It is a bold affirmation of Africa’s role in shaping world history and a clarion call for scholars to explore the continent’s past on its own terms.

Through meticulous research and a passionate commitment to truth, Babalola has demonstrated that African societies were not passive recipients of foreign technologies, but rather vibrant innovators in their own right. His work will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone for future historical scholarship, redefining how we view Africa’s contributions to science, technology, and culture.