PASGR Mourns Mr Jeffrey C. Fine

It is with profound sadness that we learn of Jeffery C. Fine’s passing. Mr Fine played a significant role in the formation of PASGR, serving as an advisor on the organisational development and conceptualisation of our research and training programmes, including the collaborative Master of Research and Public Policy programme.

Earlier in his career, while serving as the President of Jeffrey C. Fine Consulting in Ottawa, Canada, Mr Fine was directly contracted by the British Council as one of the workstream leaders of a consultative group of eminent personalities known as Building Capacity for Better Governance and Social Policy Research in Africa. This group played a crucial role in shaping the architecture and, ultimately, the launch of PASGR in 2010. The committee drew expertise from a select group of regional and international experts for the review of the Department for International Development’s (DFID) initiative (now Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office—FCDO), resulting in the establishment of PASGR as it is today.

Later, in 2017, Mr Jeffery Fine, alongside Dr Johann Mouton, conducted an Independent External Review (IER) to assess our programmes’ value proposition, demand, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. The results of this review were instrumental in shaping the organization’s strategic focus, particularly in its policy research trajectory and the operational functions of PASGR’s programmatic initiatives.

Mr Fine’s invaluable contributions to PASGR and commitment to higher education and research on the continent leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. He will be deeply missed. On behalf of our esteemed former and current board of directors, staff, and partners, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr Fine’s family, friends, and colleagues during this trying time.

May his soul rest in peace.