List Of All Ministers Of Education In Nigeria (1958-Present)
The Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria was established in 1958, showing the country’s strong commitment to education. This happened when Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was the Prime Minister.
However, the ministry’s role is to create rules and guidelines for education in Nigeria. It makes sure that educational standards are followed and works with different educational agencies.
Over the years, the ministry has had many different leaders because of changes in the country’s politics. Here is a list of all the Ministers of Education In Nigeria from 1958 till date:
| Name | Term | Political Party |
|---|---|---|
| Aja Nwachukwu | 1958 – 1965 | NCNC |
| Richard Akinjide | 1965 – 1966 | NCNC |
| Wenike Opurum Briggs | 1966 – 1971 | Military Government |
| Abudu Yesufu Eke | 1971 – 1975 | Military Government |
| Ahmadu Ali | 1975 – 1978 | Military Government |
| Garrick Barilee Leton | 1978 – 1979 | Military Government |
| Sylvester Ugoh | 1979 – 1982 | NPN |
| Bala Usman | 1979 – 1982 | NPN |
| Elizabeth Iyase | 1979 – 1982 | NPN |
| Ihechukwu Madubuike | 1982 – 1983 | NPN |
| L. A. Bamigbaiye | 1982 – 1983 | NPN |
| Sunday Afolabi | 1983 | NPN |
| Alhaji Y. Abdullahi | 1984 – 1985 | Military Government |
| Alhaji Ibrahim | 1985 | Military Government |
| Jubril Aminu | 1985 – 1989 | SDP |
| Babs Fafunwa | 1990 – 1992 | SDP |
| Ben Nwabueze | 1993 | SDP |
| A. I. Imogie | 1993 | SDP |
| Alhaji Dongodaji | 1993 – 1994 | SDP |
| Iyorchia Ayu | 1994 – 1995 | PDP |
| Wada Nas | 1995 | PDP |
| M. T. Liman | 1995 – 1997 | PDP |
| Iyabo Anisulowo | 1997 – 1998 | PDP |
| Dauda Birmah | 1997 – 1998 | PDP |
| A. N. Achunine | 1997 – 1998 | PDP |
| Olaiya Oni | 1998 – 1999 | PDP |
| Alhaji S. Saadu | 1998 – 1999 | PDP |
| Tunde Adeniran | 1999 – 2001 | PDP |
| Lawal Batagarawa | 1999 – 2001 | PDP |
| B. Borishade | 2001 – 2003 | PDP |
| Grace Ekpiwhre | 2003 – 2007 | PDP |
| Ruqqayat Rufai | 2007 – 2011 | PDP |
| Ibrahim Shekarau | 2011 – 2015 | PDP |
| Adamu Adamu | 2015 – 2023 | APC |
| Tahir Mamman | 2023 – 23 October 2024 | APC |
| Morufu Olatunji Alausa | 23 October-Present | APC |
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Who Is The First Minister Of Education In Nigeria?
Aja Nwachukwu, born in 1918, was the first Minister of Education in Nigeria. He served from 1958 to 1965 when the country gained independence from British rule in 1960.
As the first person in this role, Nwachukwu had a major impact on helping Nigeria’s education system. Nwachukwu was born in Umuahia, Abia State. He completed his early education in Nigeria before going abroad for further studies.
Then he went to the University of London, where he earned a degree in Education. However, Nwachukwu started his political career by joining the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC).
He was a member of the Eastern House of Assembly and later became the Minister of Education in Nigeria’s first cabinet under Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Nwachukwu worked hard to make education more accessible to all Nigerians. He pushed for the building of more schools, the training of teachers, and the creation of a national curriculum that included Nigeria’s different cultures and languages.
Also, he focused on educational policies that would promote unity and national development. His work laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s education system, which continues to grow today. Aja Nwachukwu served until 1965 when Richard Akinjide took over after a cabinet reshuffle.
Sadly, he passed away in 2001, but his vision for a strong educational system in Nigeria remains important as the country continues to face educational challenges.
READ ALSO: What Is The Meaning Of EFCC And Its Functions?
Who Is The Current Minister Of Education In Nigeria?
Tunji Alausa, a Nigerian medical doctor with expertise in kidney health, currently serves as Nigeria’s Minister of Education. Before taking on this role, he was Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare.
Alausa began his educational journey at the University of Lagos, where he studied medicine and graduated in 1993. After completing his degree, he went on to further develop his medical knowledge through several residency programs, both in Nigeria and abroad.
He first completed a residency in internal medicine at the Royal Bolton Hospital and the University of Newcastle in the United Kingdom from 1995 to 1997.
His pursuit of medical excellence then led him to the United States, where he did another residency in internal medicine at Cook County Hospital in Chicago.
Between 1997 and 2001, he served as a resident doctor at this hospital, eventually becoming Chief Medical Resident due to his dedication and skill. After his residency, Dr. Alausa became an assistant professor at Rush University Medical School.
He further specialized in nephrology and hypertension, the study of kidney diseases and high blood pressure, at the Medical College of Wisconsin from 2002 to 2004.
Dr. Alausa’s career took a turn towards public service in 2023 when Nigerian President Bola Tinubu appointed him as the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare.
He was officially sworn into this role on August 21, 2023, and worked on issues relating to health and social welfare for the country. However, just a few months later, on October 23, 2024, President Tinubu reassigned him as the Minister of Education.
This position change came after the president dismissed five ministers, including the former Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman.
As Minister of Education, Alausa is now tasked with overseeing Nigeria’s educational policies and working to improve the education system for Nigerian students.
