University of Bradford Honors UCD School of Archaeology Visiting Professor, Dr Elgidius Ichumbaki
The UCD School of Archaeology Visiting Professor, Dr Elgidius Ichumbaki has been
awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the University of Bradford. Dr Ichumbaki,
an Associate Professor at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and the
President of Pan African Archaeological Association has been honoured today, 4 th
December 2024, at the graduation ceremony held in the great Hall at the University
of Bradford (UoB).
The UoB prestigious award is a recognition of Dr Ichumbaki’s archaeological work in
Africa which UCD School of Archaeology is privileged to be part of since 2019. UCD
School of Archaeology is proud of Dr Ichumbaki’s dedication to archaeology,
heritage and culture to enhance local pride, decolonize research and build
community futures.
The UoB honorary award to Dr Ichumbaki who also an Adjunct Professor in the
College of Culture and Sports of Korea University, is a testimony to his ongoing
commitment in broadening the reach and influence of his works, which have inspired
many individuals within and beyond the academic community.
“It would be an honour to recognize your inspirational career as one of Africa’s most
influential archaeologists and heritage scholars. You emulate values of excellence,
innovation, and inclusion through your research and approach to public
engagement,” the UoB Vice Chancellor, Professor Shirley Congdon, tells Ichumbaki.
Professor Shirley also acclaimed Ichumbaki’s innovative methods for engaging
young people through music, a venture UoB was delighted to be part of.
Speaking to academic staff, students, graduates and parents attending the
graduation ceremony, Professor Ichumbaki thanked the UoB for recognizing his
contribution to academia and the community. He also advised the graduates to use
the knowledge from the UoB to transform communities’ lives and build futures.
Dr Ichumbaki has implemented community-based research and heritage recording
programs in Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Comoros. He has also
empowered marginalized societies in Tanzania through the establishment of
community enterprises in Bagamoyo and Kilwa to make local people benefit from
their important heritage sites.
The UoB recognition of Dr Ichumbaki’s work compliments many other awards he has
previously received. In 2018 and 2021, the University of Dar es Salaam recognized
Professor Ichumbaki as one of the top 3 scholars whose research projects are
remarkable with societal impact. UCD School of Archaeology recruited Dr Ichumbaki
as a Visiting Associate Professor since 2022.
Staff, students, and the whole UCD community wish Dr Ichumbaki well in continuing
to carry out impactful research, dedication to community empowerment, and efforts
to decolonize research and promote inclusivity in archaeology and heritage studies.