Obiageli Ezekwesili

Dr. Obiageli "Oby" Ezekwesili is a distinguished economic policy expert renowned for her unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance, alongside her passionate advocacy for human capital development. A multifaceted figure, she embodies the roles of economic strategist, humanitarian, and activist. With a distinguished career trajectory, Dr. Oby served as Vice President for the Africa Region at the World Bank, where she orchestrated initiatives spanning 47 Sub-Saharan countries, overseeing a workforce of over 1600 professionals. Prior to this, she spearheaded transformative reforms as Nigeria's Minister of Education, driving initiatives aimed at achieving universal education goals. In the realm of governance, Dr. Oby co-founded Transparency International, a pivotal organisation combating corruption globally. Her role as a founding Director and subsequent tenure as Director for Africa showcased her tireless dedication to fostering transparency and accountability. In addition to her illustrious international career, Dr. Oby is a stalwart of Nigerian politics, having served twice as a Federal Minister. She is renowned for her pivotal role in co-founding the #BringBackOurGirls movement, amplifying voices for justice and security. Dr. Oby is the visionary behind the #FixPolitics Initiative, a pioneering citizen-led effort aimed at reforming political landscapes. She is also the driving force behind the School of Politics Policy and Governance (SPPG) and Human Capital Africa, institutions dedicated to nurturing future leaders and advancing human development. A luminary in her field, Dr. Oby is a chartered accountant with academic credentials from prestigious institutions including the University of Lagos and Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Her outstanding contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the esteemed national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2006.