
List Of All Ministers Of State Education In Nigeria (2023-Present)
The Ministry of State for Education in Nigeria was re-formed in 2023 to help improve the country’s education sector. So, the new position aims to support the Federal Ministry of Education, especially in dealing with issues in basic and secondary education.
Morufu Olatunji Alausa was appointed as the Minister of Education. The Federal Ministry of Education itself has been around since 1976. However, the specific role of the Minister of State for Education was only introduced in 2023 during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
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Minister Of State Education In Nigeria (2023-Present)
Minister | Term | Political Party |
---|---|---|
Dr. Yusuf Sununu | August 21, 2023-2024 | APC |
Suwaiba Ahmad | 2024-Present | APC |
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Who Was The First Minister Of State For Education In Nigeria?
Yusufu Bala Usman was a Nigerian historian, teacher, and politician who became the first minister of state for education In Nigeria, serving from 1979 until 1982. He was born in 1945 in Musawa, Katsina Province, during the British colonial era.
Bala Usman’s education started in local primary schools, and he later attended Government College, Kaduna. He continued his education in the United Kingdom, earning a degree in History and Political Science from the University of Lancaster.
After completing his studies abroad, he returned to Nigeria in 1967 to teach at Barewa College in Zaria. Later, he pursued advanced studies at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and completed his Ph.D. in 1974.
He also became a lecturer at ABU. Bala Usman served as the Secretary to the Kaduna State government during the Second Republic under Governor Balarabe Musa. His political career extended to the federal level, where he was appointed the first Minister of State for Education in Nigeria.
Bala Usman was also known for his writings, which focused on African history, politics, and society. He authored several influential books, including For the Liberation of Nigeria and The Manipulation of Religion in Nigeria. Bala was committed to advocating for justice, education, and national progress until his death on September 24, 2005.
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Who Is The Current Minister Of State For Education In Nigeria?
Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, an experienced educator and advocate for gender equality, is Nigeria’s current Minister of State for Education. With over 17 years of experience in the field of education, Dr. Ahmad has built a notable career in both academic and policy work.
She has worked as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), where she is also the Director of the Centre for Gender Studies. Her time at the university has seen her serve in different positions, including coordinating levels, handling examinations, serving as a postgraduate coordinator, and holding the position of Sub-Dean of Academics.
She also served as Head of the Department of Science Education. Dr. Ahmad holds a PhD in Science Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as well as a Master’s in Curriculum Studies and a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Bayero University.
In addition, Dr. Ahmad has consulted for well-known organizations like the British Council and The Policy Practice, and she has contributed to projects focused on improving governance and educational quality in Nigeria.
For instance, she led a British Council research project focused on improving educational access for girls in Jigawa State. She has also provided strategic input on governance issues for projects like the Partnership to Engage, Reform, and Learn (PERL).