Amb. Dr. STEPHEN GBATIGBI BEN-JOEL

Amb. Dr. Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel, head of missions and Secretariat for the African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly

Amb. Dr. Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel is a distinguished leader and visionary, serving as the head of missions and Secretariat for the African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly and also the Special envoy to the African Union for United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) With over two decades of experience as an educational consultant, Stephen is a serial entrepreneur, an information technology enthusiast, and holds core certifications in project management, data analysis, and business analysis.

As the Chief Executive Officer of Maximum Impact Digital Institute Nig Ltd, Estecez Consulting, and DLI Educational Consults, Stephen has made significant strides in the educational and consulting sectors. He also presides over the International Association of Computer Analysts and Researchers (IACAR), Diplomats Leadership Institute, and the International League of Tutors, demonstrating his commitment to fostering global collaboration and leadership.

Stephen’s influence extends to several boards, including MIDI Nig Ltd, EnelecGS Nig Ltd, Chicken Change Food Concept Ltd, and Elpizo Humanitarian Organization in Nigeria. His international engagements include board positions with the SGP Foundation UK, 4-Impact Organization, and the United World Congress of Diplomats.

An alumnus of the University of Jos, Nigeria, Stephen earned his Diploma in Accounting, followed by a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Calabar. and a BSC Business Information Technology and Management . His global academic pursuits led him to Santa Clara University, California, where he completed prestigious business certificates at My Own Business Institute, and he holds five additional certificates from Quantum University in the United States.

Stephen is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management and the International Association of Computer Analysts and Researchers. He is also an associate member of the International Academy of Management, where he achieved the status of Associate Chartered Project Manager.

His accolades include the House of Lords Denning Award and the Honorary Cross Riverian Award, reflecting his dedication to excellence and impactful leadership. Driven by a love for Africa and Nigeria, Stephen founded the Nigeria Youth Summit, which he led for nearly a decade, and initiated the International Teachers Summit to promote digitized educational solutions, impacting over 700 schools.

A passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, Stephen launched the YES I CAN PROJECT to advance apprenticeship development. Beyond his professional achievements, Stephen is a motivational speaker of distinction and a devoted family man, happily married with children.