In a significant cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu reorganized his administration, dismissing some ministers and reassigning others in a bid to enhance government efficiency. Among the changes, the Ministry of Education saw new leadership as Professor Tahir Mamman was removed from his role, and the Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, was transferred to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

In their place, President Tinubu appointed Dr. Tunji Alausa as the new Minister of Education and Associate Professor Suwaiba Ahmad as the Minister of State for Education.

Meet the New Education Ministers

Dr. Tunji Alausa, a seasoned medical professional, takes the helm as Nigeria’s Education Minister. A graduate of the University of Lagos, where he earned his medical degree in 1993, Dr. Alausa built an impressive career as a nephrologist in the United States. He served as Chief Medical Resident at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and later as an Assistant Professor at Rush University Medical School. Recognized as one of America’s Best Physicians in 2007, 2012, and 2020, Dr. Alausa was previously Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare before his latest appointment.

Originally from Epe in Lagos State, Dr. Alausa is also a personal physician to President Tinubu. His appointment as Education Minister is seen by many sector insiders as a strategic move, with several stakeholders hailing his experience and expertise as an ideal replacement for Professor Mamman.

Suwaiba Ahmad: Minister of State for Education

Joining Dr. Alausa is Suwaiba Ahmad, an associate professor of education with a rich background in academia. Ms. Ahmad earned her Bachelor's degree in Education and Chemistry from Bayero University Kano (BUK) in 2003, followed by a Master’s degree in Curriculum Studies in 2009. She completed her doctorate in Science Education at Ahmadu Bello University in 2014.

Ms. Ahmad has been a member of the academic staff at Bayero University since 2004 and has actively contributed to educational policy development. She is also an associate of the Policy Practice, an organization focused on political economy analysis related to governance, development, and social issues.

With these appointments, President Tinubu hopes to steer Nigeria’s education sector toward greater efficiency and innovation.