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Modupe Adefeso-Olateju
Managing Director at The Education Partnership Centre (TEP Centre)
Professional Background
Modupe (Mo) Adefeso-Olateju is a highly regarded education policy expert and the Managing Director of The Education Partnership Centre (TEP Centre). With a fervent passion for education in sub-Saharan Africa, Mo has dedicated her career to enhancing educational opportunities and initiatives across the region. A driven and articulate professional, she possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience, particularly in the domains of education policy and partnership development.
Having amassed significant research experience spanning both academia and the private sector, Mo has successfully led various education sector support initiatives that were funded or assisted by prominent international donors and funding agencies, including the UK Department for International Development (DfID), the World Bank, the Open Society Institute (OSI), and the MacArthur Foundation. Her insightful contributions are reflected in her involvement with the technical team put together by the Honourable Minister of Education, where she played a pivotal role in drafting a segment of the Federal Ministry of Education's current Strategic Plan for Education covering 2011-2015.
Throughout her professional journey, Mo has also made significant strides in her roles with various esteemed organizations. Her previous experiences at Accenture and Junior Achievement have further enriched her expertise in education and international development, bolstering her capacity to forge impactful educational partnerships and programs. Additionally, she has collaborated with the Crans Montana Forum in Monaco and the Nigeria Leadership Initiative (NLI), showcasing her commitment to leadership and economic development within Nigeria and beyond.
Mo serves on the board of Incubator Africa Development Teams in Nigeria, where she continues to inspire and contribute to youth and educational development. Her dedication to the field is underscored by her tenure as a trustee of the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council UK until 2014. As vice chair of the technical committee, she played a crucial role in designing and organizing the Nigeria Economic Summit (NES20) on Education, which took place in 2014, reinforcing her position as a key player in shaping educational policy in Nigeria.
Education and Achievements
Mo Adefeso-Olateju's academic prowess is highlighted by her outstanding educational background. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education and International Development from the prestigious Institute of Education (IOE) at the University of London. Her research focused on evaluating the effectiveness of both public and private schools in Nigeria, ultimately proposing a robust framework for public-private partnership (PPP) in the education sector. In recognition of her scholarly efforts, Mo was honored as a Centenary Scholar, which celebrates academic excellence and contributes to the advancement of educational studies.
Additionally, Mo completed a Master of Education in International Development at University College London (UCL), laying the foundation for her deep understanding of global educational challenges and innovations. This comprehensive educational background has equipped her with the analytical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to address complex educational issues within Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her exemplary career, Modupe Adefeso-Olateju has received multiple accolades and recognition for her contributions to education and her commitment to fostering a brighter future for Nigeria's youth. In 2007, she was celebrated as the 'Young Professional of the Year' by The Future Africa, an award that acknowledges the impactful work of young leaders in Africa.
In 2013, her dedication to national development and educational initiatives garnered her a prestigious honor when she was named one of the '100 Guardians of Nigeria's Future' by the President of Nigeria. This recognition speaks volumes about her influence and the significance of her work in shaping educational policies and practices in the region. Such accolades serve as a testament to her unwavering commitment to improving the education landscape and cultivating sustainable partnerships that empower communities.
As an influential leader in education, Mo Adefeso-Olateju continues to inspire those around her through her dedication to effecting meaningful change and her relentless pursuit of educational equity. Her journey serves as an exemplary model for aspiring leaders and professionals in the education field, emphasizing the importance of passion, resilience, and collaboration in driving progress across sub-Saharan Africa.