Benin nominates Marie Odile Attanasso for AU commissioner on education, science, and technology
Benin has officially put forward the candidacy of Marie Odile Attanasso, the country’s former Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, for the prestigious role of Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology at the African Union (AU).
The nomination marks a significant moment for Benin on the continental stage, as Attanasso, who held her ministerial position from 2016 to 2019, is set to compete for the position during the AU summit scheduled for February 2025.
This candidacy is part of the AU’s rotational system for its commissions, designed to ensure regional and thematic diversity.
Attanasso’s bid is supported by a vision that aligns with the Beninese government’s broader goals for advancing education and training across Africa.
Her candidacy is backed by a strategic push from Benin’s diplomatic corps, working behind the scenes to bolster her chances.
Attanasso’s professional credentials are impressive. She is a seasoned educator with a doctoral degree in Economic Sciences, specializing in Demography, and is an alumna of the prestigious Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris.
Her tenure as the President of the Council of Ministers of the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES) in 2019 further underscores her expertise and commitment to advancing educational standards on the continent.
The AU is also poised for a notable transition with the impending departure of its current Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, who has held the position since January 30, 2017.
The upcoming change in leadership, with the presidency expected to rotate to a country in East Africa, could reshape internal dynamics within the AU.
Attanasso’s candidacy not only reflects Benin’s proactive stance in shaping the educational landscape of Africa but also highlights the evolving leadership within the AU.
As the nomination process advances, the outcome will be closely watched by stakeholders across the continent.
