Boston University Appoints Obaseki Visiting Scholar at African Studies Centre
Former Edo state governor, Godwin Obaseki has been named a Visiting Scholar and Researcher at the African Studies Centre of Boston University in the United States.
The appointment was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the African Studies Centre, a unit under the university’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies.
According to the institution, Obaseki will undertake research examining the policies, reforms and development initiatives implemented during his eight years as governor of Edo State.
The university said the research is expected to generate lessons that could support policymakers and public officials across Africa involved in governance reforms and economic transformation efforts.
Director of the African Studies Centre, Nimi Wariboko, described the former governor’s appointment as an important addition to the institution’s academic community.
Wariboko said the fellowship would allow Obaseki to collaborate with scholars at the university, review his governance strategies and compare them with policy models from other parts of the world.
He added that the former governor’s research output, expected to be published as a book manuscript, would contribute to the centre’s body of scholarly work and revive its tradition of hosting African leaders with distinguished public service records.
Reacting to the appointment, Obaseki said the role would give him the opportunity to reflect on his administration’s policies and document the methods adopted during his time in office.
He also noted that the academic setting at Boston University would provide room for collaboration and broader discussions on governance, development and public policy.
Dean of the Pardee School of Global Studies, Scott Taylor, said the institution looked forward to supporting Obaseki’s work on African political economy and governance.
The African Studies Centre, founded in 1953, is regarded as one of the oldest Africa-focused academic institutions in the United States and serves as a major centre for research on African affairs.
