By Sewe Ishola

Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and three other Nigerians have been  elected into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, along with  225 new members, the Academy announced on Wednesday.

In the announcement by the Academy of Arts and Science, Chimamanda was among 40 Foreign Honorary Members from 19 countries.

Three other Nigerians were also elected into the Academy and they include: Akin Mabogunje from the University of Ibadan, who  was elected into the History section in the Academy. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede,  President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) was elected into the Business, Corporate and Philanthropic leadership section of the Academy.

While, the former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Attahiru M. Jega was elected into the Public Affairs and Public Policy section of the Academy.

Other foreigners honoured come from Australia, China, India, Japan, and Uganda.

The new class will be inducted at a ceremony on October 7, 2017, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is one of the country’s oldest learned societies and independent policy research centres, convening leaders from the academic, business, and government sectors to respond to the challenges facing—and opportunities available to—the nation and the world.

Members contribute to Academy publications and studies in science, engineering, and technology policy; global security and international affairs; the humanities, arts, and education; and American institutions and the public good.

Members of the 2017 class include winners of the Pulitzer Prize and the Wolf Prize; MacArthur Fellows; Fields Medalists; Presidential Medal of Freedom and National Medal of Arts recipients; and Academy Award, Grammy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award winners.

“It is an honor to welcome this new class of exceptional women and men as part of our distinguished membership,” said Don Randel, Chair of the Academy’s Board of Directors. “Their talents and expertise will enrich the life of the Academy and strengthen our capacity to spread knowledge and understanding in service to the nation.”