Ministers Of Education In Nigeria

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:

NameTermPolitical Party
Aja Nwachukwu1958 – 1965NCNC
Richard Akinjide1965 – 1966NCNC
Wenike Opurum Briggs1966 – 1971Military Government
Abudu Yesufu Eke1971 – 1975Military Government
Ahmadu Ali1975 – 1978Military Government
Garrick Barilee Leton1978 – 1979Military Government
Sylvester Ugoh1979 – 1982NPN
Bala Usman1979 – 1982NPN
Elizabeth Iyase1979 – 1982NPN
Ihechukwu Madubuike1982 – 1983NPN
L. A. Bamigbaiye1982 – 1983NPN
Sunday Afolabi1983NPN
Alhaji Y. Abdullahi1984 – 1985Military Government
Alhaji Ibrahim1985Military Government
Jubril Aminu1985 – 1989SDP
Babs Fafunwa1990 – 1992SDP
Ben Nwabueze1993SDP
A. I. Imogie1993SDP
Alhaji Dongodaji1993 – 1994SDP
Iyorchia Ayu1994 – 1995PDP
Wada Nas1995PDP
M. T. Liman1995 – 1997PDP
Iyabo Anisulowo1997 – 1998PDP
Dauda Birmah1997 – 1998PDP
A. N. Achunine1997 – 1998PDP
Olaiya Oni1998 – 1999PDP
Alhaji S. Saadu1998 – 1999PDP
Tunde Adeniran1999 – 2001PDP
Lawal Batagarawa1999 – 2001PDP
B. Borishade2001 – 2003PDP
Grace Ekpiwhre2003 – 2007PDP
Ruqqayat Rufai2007 – 2011PDP
Ibrahim Shekarau2011 – 2015PDP
Adamu Adamu2015 – 2023APC
Tahir Mamman2023 – PresentAPC

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Who Is The First Minister Of Education In Nigeria?

Aja Nwachukwu

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: List Of All Ministers Of State For Education In Nigeria (2023-Present)

Who Is The Current Minister Of Education In Nigeria?

Professor Tahir Mamman

Professor Tahir Mamman is the current Minister of Education in Nigeria, having taken office on August 3, 2023, after being appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Professor Mamman is the 47th person to hold this position since the ministry was established in 1958. Born on July 7, 1954, in Mubi, Adamawa State, Professor Mamman grew up in a place where education is highly valued.

He started his higher education at Ahmadu Bello University, earning a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1983. Before he went to the United Kingdom to continue his studies, earning both a Master of Science and a Doctorate from the University of Warwick.

Professor Mamman is also very family-oriented. He is married and has nine children, and he values family and community greatly.

In addition to his professional work, he holds traditional titles like Dan Ruwata of the Adamawa Emirate and Dokajin Mubi.

Before now, Professor Mamman had an outstanding career in academia and law. He was the Vice-Chancellor of Baze University in Abuja, a private university he helped establish.

From 2005 to 2013, he was the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, where he implemented important reforms to improve legal education in Nigeria.

He has also been active in politics, running for the governorship of Adamawa State in 2014 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Professor Mamman has focused on working together with different groups to solve the problems facing Nigeria’s education system.

He aims to improve access to quality education, promote technical and vocational training, and enhance school infrastructure.

Mamman is committed to revitalizing the education sector to ensure Nigerian students receive relevant and high-quality learning opportunities.

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