Former Vice President of the World Bank for Africa and leading voice on the global BringBackOurGirls campaign, Obiageli Ezekwesili was on Tuesday, July 12, conferred with an honorary degree from the University of Essex, England, United Kingdom.

The former Minister of Education 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 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 Oby 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 Oby 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.”

Ezekwesili is a staunch advocate for active citizenship and a leading voice in sensitizing the government on the plight of the abducted Chibok school girls.

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.