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In an exclusive interview with BlackBox Nigeria, Itunu Praise Adedokun, Secretary to Babajimi Adegoke Benson, member House of Representatives representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency has shared insights into her newly completed doctoral research and her long standing work in Nigeria’s education sector.
Adedokun, an education professional with over 15 years of experience, recently completed a PhD in Legislative Studies. Her research examines how Nigeria’s National Assembly contributes to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 4 in the Federal Capital Territory between 2015 and 2023. 
Speaking during the interview, she explained that the legislature plays a direct role in shaping education outcomes through lawmaking, budget approvals, oversight functions, and constituency interventions.
Her findings show measurable contributions by the National Assembly in advancing education policy. These include the passage of education related laws and increased attention to sector funding. At the same time, she identified persistent gaps. These include inadequate funding, weak monitoring systems, policy inconsistency, and limited collaboration among stakeholders. 
She stated that improving education outcomes requires stronger legislative oversight and sustained political commitment. She also called for increased funding and better alignment between policymakers and education practitioners.
Adedokun’s academic work reflects her professional path. She serves as a Principal Education Officer with the FCT Secondary Education Board, where she leads curriculum development and supports teacher capacity building. Her experience covers early childhood education, primary education, and secondary school systems.
She also founded Golden Hills Academy in Abuja and Golden Hills International College in Osun State. Through these institutions, she has focused on expanding access to quality education for children from low income families. She confirmed that she has personally funded scholarship programs to support vulnerable learners across multiple academic years.
During the interview, she highlighted the importance of early literacy and inclusive education. She noted that long term national development depends on closing learning gaps at foundational levels.
Her humanitarian work supports this approach. She has organized community feeding programs, donated educational materials, and supported orphanages and vulnerable households. These efforts earned her recognition as Humanitarian Female School Owner of the Year in 2025.
Adedokun also spoke on her international exposure. She has participated in training programs in China, India, and Thailand, where she gained insights into education governance, gender inclusion, and community driven development models.
Reflecting on her role within the National Assembly environment, she acknowledged the influence of Rep. Benson on her growth. She described the experience as one that strengthened her understanding of legislative processes and public policy implementation.
Her PhD research, she said, aims to bridge the gap between policy design and real outcomes in the education sector. The study provides practical recommendations to improve how legislative institutions support education development in Nigeria.
With her combined experience in teaching, school leadership, research, and policy engagement, Adedokun’s work continues to shape conversations around education reform and sustainable development in Nigeria.
