Edugist Mourns the Loss of a Visionary Leader: Rotimi Sankore

We at Edugist are deeply saddened by the passing of Rotimi Sankore, our esteemed Board Chairman and a towering figure in the realms of journalism, human rights, and educational advocacy. His death marks a significant loss not only to our organisation but to the broader community dedicated to sustainable development and democratic governance in Africa and beyond.

Rotimi Sankore was an esteemed figure in the fields of journalism, policy analysis, and human rights advocacy. As the Editor-in-Chief at the Africa Centre for Development Journalism, Sankore leads efforts to provide strategic communication support to organisations aimed at driving social, political, and economic changes across Africa. With a rich background in journalism, both on the continent and internationally, Sankore previously chaired the editorial board of the AIM Media Group, which includes prominent radio stations like Nigeria Info, WaZoBia FM, Cool FM, and Arewa Radio. His journalistic work has been crucial in shaping public discourse on key issues such as democracy, governance, and public accountability.

Rotimi Sankore’s illustrious career was defined by his relentless pursuit of truth, his unwavering commitment to social justice, and his profound understanding of the intricate dynamics of development and policy. Under his guidance, Edugist flourished, driven by his vision of leveraging education as a tool for societal change and empowerment.

As Board Chairman, Mr. Sankore was instrumental in spearheading initiatives that bridged the gap between educational policy and practical, impactful implementation. His expertise and foresight helped shape Edugist’s strategic direction, enabling us to expand our reach and enhance our impact on educational communities.

His early work as a founder and editor at the Africa Human & Social Development Information Service was pioneering, leveraging data and statistics to enhance journalism and policy advocacy during the critical period of the Millennium Development Goals from 2000 to 2015. Additionally, Sankore’s role as a pioneer editor for the International Federation of Journalists website in the 1990s positioned him at the forefront of reporting on corruption, democracy, and human rights issues.

Sankore’s commitment extends beyond journalism to significant contributions in the arena of human and social development. His leadership roles include serving as the Secretary of the Africa Health, Human & Social Development Parliamentary Network, where he collaborated with UN agencies and regional bodies to advance development policies and investments. Notably, he coordinated the influential Africa 15% Plus Campaign on Development & Health Financing, championed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

His contributions extended far beyond the boardroom. Rotimi was a mentor and a role model to many within our organisation. He possessed a rare ability to inspire those around him to strive for excellence and to approach complex challenges with integrity and innovation.

The news of Mr Sankore’s passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from the Edugist community and the many lives he touched. We have lost not only a leader but a member of our family, a guide, and a friend. His legacy, however, will live on through the work that he has done and the countless people he has inspired.

An advocate for gender equality and women’s rights, Rotimi Sankore was a founding member of the Women’s Rights Project at Nigeria’s Civil Liberties Organisation and has been instrumental in developing the SADC Gender Protocol and advocating for the ratification of the African Union Protocol for Rights of Women in Africa.

Rotimi Sankore’s extensive work has not only contributed to shaping policy and fostering development across Africa but has also significantly influenced the global discourse on development and human rights. His leadership at the Africa Centre for Development Journalism continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of journalists and policymakers.

In honour of Rotimi Sankore, Edugist commits to continue championing the causes he holds dear. We pledge to uphold his dedication to transparency, equality, and the empowering force of education. In the coming weeks, we will be organising a series of webinars and workshops dedicated to his memory, focusing on the themes central to his career and life’s work.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Sankore’s family, friends, and colleagues around the world. We share in your sorrow and offer our support during this difficult time. Rotimi Sankore’s passing is a profound loss, but his ideals and vision will continue to inspire and guide us. May his soul rest in peace, and may we all strive to reflect his light through our actions and commitments.

With deepest sympathy,

The Edugist Team