Nigerian-born university lecturer in Canada , Professor Obiora Okafor,  has been awarded the prestigious nationwide, 2010 prize for academic excellence by the Canadian Association of Law Teachers, CALT.

Okafor, who hails from Ukpo, Dunukofia local government area of Anambra State, is the first African and black person in history to receive a top Canadian nation-wide award for academic excellence for his outstanding contributions to legal research and teaching in Canada and around the world.

According to a press statement by the association, “he is the first African ever to be promoted to the highest academic rank of full professor at a Canadian University .

“Professor Okafor has previously received many other honours and awards, including the Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal and Award of Excellence of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers.

“One of the leading international law and human rights experts in the world, he has also served as an expert panelist for the United Nations working group on people of African descent. Professor Okafor who received his PHD in 1998, teaches at the famous Osgoode Hall Law School of York University, Toronto Canada , Canada ’s top Law Faculty and one of the leading global law schools in the world.

“He has published 7 books, edited 3 special issues of leading academic journals and written over 60 scholarly papers and book chapters. His latest book on African human rights system was issued by Cambridge University Press”, the association stated.

Reacting to the award, Okafor expressed happiness that he has been accorded recognition for his contributions to legal research and teaching in Canada and around the world.

The professor of International Law expressed gratitude to the prestigious Association for the award, saying that the honour would spur him towards making greater contribution to legal research and teaching and academia in general.

Okafor who promised to continue making Nigeria proud, also expressed gratitude to all those who have contributed to the success of his career, including members of his family, colleagues, friends and well wishers.