UWE adds Ayo Ogunsan, a Nigerian education advocate, to the CASET Advisory Board

The University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, United Kingdom, has appointed Nigerian education advocate, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, as a member of the Advisory Board of its Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET).

Dr. Ogunsan’s appointment, confirmed through an official letter signed by UWE’s Deputy Vice Chancellor and Registrar, Jo Midgley, recognizes his extensive contributions to education in Africa and his active role in supporting access to quality learning, particularly for underserved communities in Nigeria.

According to Midgley, Dr. Ogunsan’s work training university leaders and teaching personnel, along with his role as a Board Member of the Centre for Digital Humanities (CEDHUL) at the University of Lagos, makes him a valuable addition to CASET.

“As a Board member, you will play a crucial role in shaping CASET’s strategic direction, providing high-level support and guidance on stakeholder engagement strategies and knowledge dissemination efforts,” the university said in the appointment letter.

Dr. Ogunsan is also the Chairman of the AKEM Foundation, a nonprofit that has supported free education programs and NGOs across Nigeria. Within two years, the foundation has disbursed millions of naira in grants to promote inclusive education.

The UWE explained that the creation of CASET is part of the university’s broader mission to empower African communities through strategic partnerships, transformative training programmes, research, and evidence-based policymaking.

Dr. Ogunsan’s term as an Advisory Board Member begins in June 2025 and will run for an initial period of three years on a non-remunerated basis. The Board will meet annually, either virtually or in-person in the UK or Africa, depending on feasibility.

Though not a staff position, Board Members are expected to demonstrate continued commitment, integrity, and support for CASET’s vision of transformative socio-economic change in Africa.

Described as a visionary leader with expertise in entrepreneurship, education, and security management, Dr. Ogunsan also serves on the Board of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).

UWE expressed confidence that Dr. Ogunsan’s insights will contribute significantly to advancing CASET’s mission and strengthening its collaborative impact across the African continent.