Oby Ezekwesili receives doctorate degree from UK varsity

Oby Ezekwesili honoured at the University of Essex,
United Kingdom

Former Minister of Education and leading voice on the
global #BringBackOurGirls campaign, Oby Ezekwesili,
was yesterday, conferred with a doctorate degree by
the University of Essex, England, United Kingdom,
says a statement by RED Media.

The former Vice President, World Bank for Africa was
honoured for her work in promoting transparency and
accountability in government and lending a voice to the
importance of the office of the citizen in a country like
Nigeria.
“This is a humbling experience, I consider this so
inspiring of the work that I have done so far in my
career and the University of Essex being one of the top
universities in the world, values match those of the
university and my father inspired me to be diligent and
continue to learn till I reach my goal in life,” said Mrs
Ezekwesili while addressing Essex Business School
graduates at the ceremony.
Professor Neil Kellard, Head of the Finance Group at
Essex Business School, paid tribute to Ezekwesili
saying, “We celebrate today a woman who pushes
political and ideological boundaries for education and
equality. We celebrate today a woman who challenges
corruption and encourages transparency.”
Mrs Ezekwesili is a staunch advocate for active
citizenship and a leading voice in sensitizing the
government on the plight of the abducted Chibok girls.
Oby Ezekwesili, as she is fondly called, was at different
times Minister of Minerals and Minister of Education
under the second term of President Olusegun
Obasanjo.
She is a past Vice-President of the World Bank where
she delivered economic policy advisory, worth over
$40Billion in finance and as well as convening
partnerships for 46 African countries in support of their
economic and social development programs. She is
reputed to be the first woman selected for the National
Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria in 2006.

She is currently a Senior Economic Advisor with the
Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative (AEDPI)
where she advises Presidents of African countries and
their cabinets on economic development strategy,
policies and implementation.
Mrs. Ezekwesili is also co-founder of Transparency
international, the global anti-corruption NGO and a
leading voice in the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. She
is a sought after speaker at international conferences
and an advocate for good governance.