The former Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has been named as a Visiting Scholar/Researcher at the African Studies Centre, Boston University, in the United States.

The Centre, which is part of the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, Boston University, brings together students and scholars from across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to develop Africa-focused expertise, drive multidisciplinary research, and lead public awareness initiatives.

Obaseki, who served as governor of Edo State from 2016 to 2024, is globally acclaimed for championing bold reforms in public sector governance, digital governance, and education. His administration’s EdoBESTprogramme, which focused on improving basic education through technology-driven methods, drew international attention and has been cited as a model for education reform in developing regions.

Obaseki will use the opportunity of his appointment to critically analyse the successes and challenges of the transformative projects and policies he pursued during his eight years as governor. The goal is to produce a study that will guide public servants in Africa engaged in transformative leadership and economic reforms.

According to the Director of the African Studies Centre, Nimi Wariboko, the Walter G. Muelder Professor of Social Ethics at Boston University, is pleased to host Obaseki as an active participant in the Centre’s academic community.

“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. His affiliation with Boston University will also reflect positively on the ASC. His final output—in the form of a book manuscript—will constitute a significant addition to the ASC’s scholarly contributions.