OMANO EDIGHEJI, Ph.D.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP |GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY RESEARCH | STRATEGIC PROGRAM MANAGEMENT/STAKEHOLDERS AND RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENTS

As a Visionary and Accomplished Global Senior Executive and Thought Leader with over 20 years of successfully conducting responsive and innovative Education, Economics, and Democratic Governance reforms across Africa; leading Economic, Development and Development Research; and convening capacity for Reforms. Function as a Subject Matter Expert Consultant and Advisor on Public Policy for national governments and regional institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, and bilateral and multilateral development agencies. Demonstrated experience leading a cluster of cross-functional teams to achieve organizational aims and objectives, steer continued transformation, and proffer solutions to Africa’s development challenges. Possess a broad understanding of the social, economic, environmental, and political facing South Africa and the African continent, as well as global issues.

An Astute Leader and Multicultural Builder who understands the precepts of innovative and ethical leadership to lead diverse workforces and forge strategic partnerships with stakeholders for organizational, national, and continental transformation, as well as promote social dialogue among stakeholders. Proficient at utilizing assessment data to identify and distribute guidance on best commercial quality and promote and develop potential interventions that can improve national development outcomes. Mentors and motivates individuals from diverse backgrounds, encourages them to take positive actions, and be accountable to achieve objectives and key performance indicators.

Research Interest

EDUCATION

Certificate of Completion – The Key Executive Leadership Program

School of Public Affairs, American University, Washington

2016 Ph.D. (Political Science)

Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

(Specialisation in the Political Economy of Development with a focus on Economic and Industrial Development and State Reforms)

2007

M. A (Social Policy) – University of Durban Westville, South Africa

1998

B. A (Hons – History) – University of Jos, Nigeria

1990

NOTABLE CAREER ACHIEVEMENTS

Founder and CEO, Zeezi Oasis Leadership Inspiration Limited with headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
Successfully led reforms and processes to build a professional, career, and capable public service in South Africa as the Chief Technical Adviser of the Public Service Reform.
Served as the Research Director in the Policy Analysis Unit of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), South Africa, and headed the Council’s research and policy program on State and Economic Development.
Advised the African National Congress (ANC) on its strategy for the 2004 general election and also coordinated several policy initiatives for the party.
Worked in a Research Manager capacity at the Johannesburg-based policy think-tank, Centre for Policy Studies.
Led a high-level delegation of South African Government Officials to China, Brazil, Malaysia, and Mauritius to explore best-practice in economic and public reforms.
Served as Consultant to the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Agency, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), United Nations Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP), German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), African Development Bank, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA).
Directed the first-ever continental summit on African Higher Education in Dakar, Senegal in March 2015.
Wrote and published books on emerging issues in Africa, including (1) Nigeria: Democracy Without Development. How to Fix It. (2020); (2) The Future and Relevance of Nigerian Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions (co-editor. September 2016); (3) Constructing a Democratic Developmental State in South Africa: Potentials and Challenges (editor, HSRC Press, 2010)”, and (4) Governance in the New South Africa: The Challenges of Globalization (co-editor, University of Cape Town Press, 2003)”.

Professional Experience

July 2019 – May 2023 - Kaduna State Government, Nigeria Special Adviser (Research And Special Programmes) To The Governor
July 2022 - Present - University Of Johannesburg Visiting Associate Professor Of Practice
March 2017 – June 2019 - Zeezi Oasis Leadership Inspiration Ltd, Abuja, Nigeria Founder And Ceo
October 2011 – February 2017 - Trustafrica, Dakar, Senegal Lead Consultant/Director
January 2012 – April 2015 - Public Service Commission Of South Africa Chief Technical Adviser: Public Service Reforms
August 2007 – October 2010 - Human Sciences Research Council (Hsrc), South Africa Research Director, Policy Analysis

November 2004 – July 2007 - Centre For Policy Studies, Johannesburg Research Manager
July 2005 – November 2005 - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth Guest Lecturer
November 2001 – June 2004 - Graduate School Of Public And Development Management, University Of The Witwatersrand, South Africa Senior Researcher And Co-Director: Governance And Globalisation Programme
August 2002 – March 2003 - Africa Institute Of South Africa. Pretoria Coordinator (Part-Time): African Political Leadership Programme
August 2000 - October 2001 – June 2004 - National Economic Development And Labour Council (Nedlac) Research Co-Ordinator
March 1992 – February 1995 - Civil Liberties Organisation (Clo), Lagos Head, Human Rights Education And Empowerment Program Programme Officer For National Expansion And Membership