World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz announced Friday the appointment of Nigerian Education Minister Obiageli Ezekwesili as Vice President for the Africa Region.

"Oby's unique blend of first-hand experiences, especially in the more challenging and complex areas of energy sector reform and education, position her as the ideal candidate to serve as the Vice President for Africa," said Wolfowitz.

Ezekwesili, a Nigerian national, began her career as an auditor and management consultant. She was one of the founding members of Transparency International, where she held the position Director for Africa.

She subsequently served as minister of Solid Minerals Development, with emphasis on reforming Nigeria's mining sector to internationally recognized standards.

Since June 2006, Ezekwesili has been the minister of Education where she was tasked with leading the country's on-going comprehensive reform strategy within the education sector.

Ezekwesili holds a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from University of Lagos, as well as a Masters of Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard.

Source: Xinhua