Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has secured a major international academic appointment months after leaving office.
Boston University in the United States announced Obaseki as a Visiting Scholar and Researcher at its respected African Studies Center.
However, the university said the former governor’s record in public sector reforms and digital education played a major role in the decision.
Obaseki served as governor of Edo State between 2016 and 2024. During his administration, several reforms were introduced in education, technology, and public service management.
One of the projects that gained global attention was the EdoBEST programme. The initiative focused on improving basic education through digital learning methods and teacher support systems.
Moreover, the programme was widely discussed in international education and governance spaces as a possible model for developing nations.
According to Boston University, Obaseki will use his new role to examine the policies and projects implemented during his eight years in office.
The university explained that the study would help public officials across Africa understand the realities of leadership and economic reforms.
Speaking on the development, the Director of the African Studies Center, Nimi Wariboko, praised the former governor’s experience and contributions.
“His affiliation with BU will enable him to interact with scholars here to refine his theoretical framework, hone his methodology for producing an empirical account of his tenure, and examine his policy framework against alternative models around the world,” Wariboko said.
Furthermore, he explained that the university expected the outcome of Obaseki’s research to strengthen African policy discussions globally.
“His affiliation with Boston University will also reflect positively on the ASC. His final output in the form of book manuscript will constitute a significant addition to the ASC’s scholarly contributions,” he added.
Meanwhile, Obaseki described the opportunity as both exciting and important for his personal and professional growth.
“I am excited by this appointment and the privilege it affords me to be part of this world-class university,” he said.
The former governor added that the role would allow him to carefully review the strategies used during his administration in Edo State.
“As a Visiting Scholar/Researcher at the African Studies Center, I will have the opportunity to document, explain and review the strategies and frameworks that I adopted to transform the economic and social development landscape of Edo State,” Obaseki stated.
In addition, he praised Boston University for its global academic reputation and commitment to solving major world problems.
Professor Scott Taylor, Dean of the Pardee School of Global Studies, also welcomed the former governor warmly.
“We are delighted that Governor Obaseki is taking time to reflect on and write on his experience as a public-sector leader in ways that will benefit African economies,” Taylor said.
The African Studies Center was established in 1953 and remains one of America’s most respected centers for African research and policy studies.
