By BONIFACE AKARAH

Immediate past Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has been appointed Visiting Scholar/Researcher at the Boston University African Studies Center, according to a statement published on the university’s website on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Announcing the appointment, Director of the African Studies Center and Walter G. Muelder Professor of Social Ethics, Nimi Wariboko, said the institution was pleased to host Obaseki as an active participant in its 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,” Wariboko stated, adding that the expected book manuscript from the former governor would become “a significant addition” to the Center’s scholarly contributions.

The African Studies Center, which operates under the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University, said Obaseki would use the appointment to critically examine the successes and challenges of the policies and projects executed during his eight years as governor of Edo State from 2016 to 2024.

The university noted that the research is expected to produce a study capable of guiding African public servants involved in transformative leadership and economic reforms.

Wariboko further said Obaseki’s appointment would “reactivate the historic practice of the ASC hosting prominent African public leaders who served with distinction and are willing to share their knowledge and experience with the Boston University community.”

Responding to the appointment, Obaseki described the opportunity as a privilege and said it would provide a platform to document and reassess governance strategies implemented during his administration.

“I am excited by this appointment and the privilege it affords me to be part of this world-class university,” Obaseki said.

“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,” he added.

The former governor said Boston University’s “rich tradition of rigorous scholarship, global perspective and commitment to tackling the world’s most pressing challenges” made it an ideal environment for reflection, collaboration, and exchange of ideas.

Dean of the Pardee School of Global Studies, Scott Taylor, also welcomed the appointment, saying the university was honoured to host the former governor.

“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.

“Boston University has a long history of supporting research and development in Africa… and we look forward to the contributions that will emerge from his time here,” he added.

Established in 1953, the African Studies Center is one of the oldest Africa-focused academic institutions in the United States and is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Title VI National Resource Center for African studies.

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