Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has been appointed as a Visiting Scholar and Researcher at the African Studies Centre, part of the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University in the United States.
Role at the African Studies Centre
The African Studies Centre brings together students and scholars from various disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, to develop Africa-focused expertise, drive multidisciplinary research, and lead public awareness initiatives. Obaseki's appointment underscores the Centre's commitment to engaging with transformative leaders from the continent.
Obaseki's Legacy as Governor
Obaseki served as Governor of Edo State from 2016 to 2024. He is globally recognized for championing bold reforms in public sector governance, digital governance, and education. His administration's flagship program, EdoBEST, focused on improving basic education through technology-driven methods. The program drew international attention and has been cited as a model for education reform in developing regions.
Research Objectives
During his tenure at Boston University, Obaseki will critically analyze the successes and challenges of the transformative projects and policies he pursued during his eight years as governor. The goal is to produce a comprehensive study that will guide public servants in Africa engaged in transformative leadership and economic reforms.
Director's Remarks
Professor Nimi Wariboko, Director of the African Studies Centre and Walter G. Muelder Professor of Social Ethics at Boston University, expressed enthusiasm about hosting Obaseki. According to Wariboko, Obaseki's affiliation with BU will enable him to interact with scholars to refine his theoretical framework, hone his methodology for producing an empirical account of his tenure, and examine his policy framework against alternative models from around the world. Wariboko also noted that Obaseki's presence will reflect positively on the African Studies Centre, and his final output—a book manuscript—will constitute a significant addition to the Centre's scholarly contributions.
This appointment highlights the growing recognition of African leaders' experiences in global academic circles and provides a platform for sharing valuable insights with a broader audience.
