… as Athena Centre launches research institutes to advance education, health, governance

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, has said there is an urgent need for robust policy institutions in the country to bridge the gap between governance and research-driven solutions.

He spoke as Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership ,yesterday,launched two pioneering research institutes dedicated to advancing education, health, and governance in Nigeria.

The newly established institutes are the Athena Dr. Arthur Nwankwo Institute for Education and Intellectual Freedom and Athena Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti Institute for Health and Social Equity.

In his welcome address at the event,Chidoka, who is the Chancellor of the Athena Centre,explained that the institutes will serve as hubs for policy research, leadership training, and knowledge dissemination,respectively.

According to him,the institutes will also aim to institutionalise the legacies of these national icons and drive evidence-based policymaking across key sectors in the country.

Speaking further, he said the Athena Centre will deepen its impact by producing high-quality research and publishing data-driven policy recommendations.

“We honour Dr. Arthur Nwankwo and Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti not just for their past contributions but for their lasting impact on governance, education, and healthcare. With these institutes, the Athena Centre will deepen its impact by producing high-quality research, publishing data-driven policy recommendations, and offering specialised leadership training,” Chidoka stated.

The launch event which took place at the System Property Development Consortium, Abuja, was attended by dignitaries from government, academia, and civil society, including representatives of the Minister of State for Education and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, as well as former Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Maina Waziri; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; and former lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, among others.

As part of the event, the Athena Centre also presented its policy brief titled “A National Embarrassment: Reforming Transparency in Nigerian Universities to Unlock Global Funding and Restore Credibility”.

The research emphasises the critical need for transparency in Nigerian higher education institutions, a key determinant of global credibility and funding opportunities.

Findings from the research reveal that Nigerian universities rank among the least transparent globally, with over 80% of surveyed institutions refusing to disclose financial data.

This financial opacity, the research reveals, discourages international donors, private investors, and philanthropic organisations from engaging with Nigerian universities, exacerbating underfunding and diminishing research output.

“The policy brief calls for comprehensive legislative and governance reforms, including the establishment of a University Transparency and Accountability Act, mandatory financial disclosures, and the enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act to enhance accountability in higher education.

“It also proposes the creation of a centralised transparency portal under the National Universities Commission to provide real-time financial disclosures, ensuring public access to critical financial information,” Chidoka explained.

Chief Chidoka further emphasised the Centre’s commitment to fostering governance reforms beyond education. He noted that Athena Centre has actively engaged with international partners, including the EU and the US Embassy, to advocate for electoral integrity and policy reforms in Nigeria.

“We believe that Nigerians must become more conscious of developments in their neighbouring countries. That is why we study updates from Niger, Benin, Chad, and Cameroon.

“We also focus on electoral reforms, ensuring our elections maintain credibility, not in favour of any party but for the integrity of the democratic process,” Chidoka said.

The Athena Centre continues to position itself at the forefront of governance, policy, and research, offering a platform for policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, and thought leaders to engage in shaping Africa’s future.