Our Reporter, Abuja
Former Nigerian Minister of Education and renowned anti-corruption advocate, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has been honoured as a joint winner of the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award in the Lifetime/Outstanding Achievement category.
The award, conferred on December 14 in Doha, Qatar, was communicated by the Secretariat of the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award on behalf of the High-Level Award Committee chaired by the United Nations Special Advocate for the Prevention of Corruption, Dr. Ali Bin Fetais Al Marri.
In a formal notification, the organisers stated that Ezekwesili’s nomination emerged successful after a rigorous and independent assessment process, noting that it “exemplifies the values, expertise, and integrity that this Award represents.”
Ezekwesili, a respected economic policy expert, chartered accountant, and global advocate for transparency and good governance, is widely known by the sobriquet “Madam Due Process,” earned during her tenure as the pioneer head of Nigeria’s Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit, where she led far-reaching reforms in public procurement.
She served twice as a federal minister under former President Olusegun Obasanjo — first as Minister of Solid Minerals between 2005 and 2006, and later as Minister of Education from 2006 to 2007. As education minister, she championed reforms focused on transparency in budget management, strengthened quality assurance mechanisms, and enhanced public-private partnerships in the education sector.
Beyond Nigeria, Ezekwesili served as Vice President of the World Bank for the Africa Region from 2007 to 2012, overseeing operations across 48 Sub-Saharan African countries and managing a lending portfolio in excess of $40 billion.
Internationally, she is a co-founder of Transparency International and has remained an influential voice in global accountability and governance reforms. She is also widely recognised as a co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, which drew sustained global attention following the abduction of schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State, in 2014.
She is the founder of several leadership and governance initiatives, including FixPolitics, the School of Politics, Policy and Governance, and Human Capital Africa, all aimed at institutional reform, leadership development, and citizen engagement.
Obi celebrates her life of integrity
Reacting to the honour, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, described the award as a powerful global endorsement of integrity and principled leadership.
In a post on X on Monday, Obi congratulated Ezekwesili, describing her as a “beacon of ethical leadership” and a source of pride for Nigeria and Africa.
“This prestigious honour is a powerful global endorsement of the enduring value of integrity and principled leadership,” Obi said.
“For decades, Dr. Ezekwesili has been a resolute advocate for transparency, accountability, and institutional reform — often at significant personal sacrifice — yet she has never faltered in her belief that public power must always be exercised in service of the people.”
He added that her life’s work reflects “the leadership Nigeria is capable of offering the world when excellence is placed above expediency,” wishing her continued strength, good health, and greater global impact.
Over the years, Ezekwesili has served on the boards of several global organisations and universities and advised African leaders and international institutions. She has received multiple international honours in recognition of her contributions to public service, governance advocacy, and leadership.
The International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award recognises individuals whose work has made a lasting impact in advancing integrity, accountability, and the rule of law worldwide.
