Former Edo State governor Godwin Obaseki has been appointed a Visiting Scholar and Researcher at the African Studies Center in the United States.
The appointment was announced on Wednesday in a statement issued by the centre, which is part of the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University.
According to the institution, Mr Obaseki will use the appointment to examine the policies and projects implemented during his eight years as governor of Edo State from 2016 to 2024.
The centre said the study would focus on the successes and challenges of his administration and is expected to provide lessons for public servants in Africa involved in economic reforms and governance.
Director of the African Studies Center Nimi Wariboko said the institution was pleased to host Obaseki as part of its academic community.
Wariboko said the former governor would work with scholars at the university to refine his research framework and compare his policy approaches with models from other parts of the world.
“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,” he said.
He added that Obaseki’s work was expected to contribute to the centre’s academic output through a book manuscript documenting his experiences in public office.
Wariboko also said the appointment continued the centre’s tradition of hosting African public officials willing to share their experiences with students and researchers.
Reacting to the appointment, Obaseki described it as an opportunity to reflect on his time in office and document the strategies used during his administration.
“I am excited by this appointment and the privilege it affords me to be part of this world-class university,” he said.
Obaseki added that the academic environment at Boston University would provide room for reflection, collaboration and exchange of ideas on governance and development in Africa.
Dean of the Pardee School of Global Studies Scott Taylor said the institution was honoured to host the former governor.
Taylor said the university looked forward to supporting Godwin Obaseki’s research on African political economy and public policy.
The African Studies Center was established in 1953 and is one of the oldest institutions in the United States dedicated to the study of Africa.
