Renowned Scholar Nimi Wariboko Appointed Director of African Studies Center
The Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Nimi Wariboko, the Walter G. Muelder Professor of Social Ethics at Boston University’s School of Theology (STH), as the new Director of Pardee’s African Studies Center (ASC), effective July 1st. Dr. Wariboko, a highly respected scholar with a unique background, is well positioned to lead the ASC as it embarks on its next 70 years of excellence.
Dr. Wariboko is a renowned expert in world Christianity, social and economic ethics, and philosophy. His scholarship delves into social justice, poverty, and economic development within missionary-originated Churches, African Initiated Churches, and Pentecostal-Charismatic movements in Africa, aligning perfectly with the ASC’s mission of fostering a deeper understanding of Africa across the BU community. As a prolific author, his research spans multiple disciplines, including economics, theology, philosophy, and literary studies.
In addition to his academic credentials, Dr. Wariboko brings a wealth of real-world experience to the role. Prior to entering academia, he worked for many years in the financial sector, both as a banker in Lagos and as a strategy consultant on Wall Street. This experience, combined with his Ph.D. in Social Ethics from Princeton Theological Seminary and MBA in Finance and Accounting from Columbia University, positions him to not only guide the academic direction of the ASC but also explore new avenues for funding and collaboration.
Upon his appointment, Dr. Wariboko expressed his enthusiasm and vision for the ASC, stating, “I am glad to be appointed as the director of this prestigious and historic center. I plan to make the African Studies Center the greatest center of its kind in the country. I am bringing not only my deep understanding of Africa and excellent academic reputation, but also years of corporate management experience in the financial industry in the United States and Nigeria.” He envisions the ASC becoming “an intimate, dialogical, and lovely space for the meeting of learning communities at BU that are engaging Africa and Africans.”
Additionally, Dr. Wariboko aims to “bring the ASC into mutually beneficial partnerships with academic and research institutions across Africa.” To realize this vision, he stated, “I will work with the Pardee School to explore new or additional sources of funding as the Center climbs to higher levels of excellence and relevance within the BU community under my leadership.”
Dean Scott Taylor of the Pardee School of Global Studies praised Dr. Wariboko’s appointment, saying, “The breadth of his intellectual pursuits and wide-ranging professional background make Nimi Wariboko an exceptional leader for the ASC as the Center embarks on its next 70 years of excellence.”
Dr. Wariboko’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the ASC, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. The Pardee School would like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing director Ambassador Mark Storella for his service over the past two years. Dean Taylor noted, “Mark stepped in at a critical time, providing a steadying hand in a time of transition in the Center and in the School. He ably presided over the work of the ASC, including the extraordinary 70th Anniversary celebration held in February this year, which was a tremendous success.”
With his expertise, experience, and vision, Dr. Wariboko is poised to continue leading the Center to even greater heights, fostering engagement and understanding between the Pardee School, greater Boston University community, and the African continent.