- Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart appointed as Special Adviser to the President.
- He replaces Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who has resigned.
- Olanrewaju-Smart possesses extensive qualifications, including a PhD from Lead City University.
- His experience includes significant roles in the National Assembly.
In a notable shift within his administration, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart as the Special Adviser on National Assembly matters, particularly focusing on the House of Representatives. This appointment follows the resignation of Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who left his position to contest for an elective office in his home state.
Dr. Olanrewaju-Smart is a distinguished academic and public policy authority. He earned his PhD in educational management from Lead City University, complemented by a master’s degree in public administration from the prestigious Harvard University. Additionally, he is recognized as an Edward Mason Fellow in Public Policy at Harvard's Kennedy School.
At just forty years old, Olanrewaju-Smart's credentials are impressive. He was previously a LEAPS Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has also achieved a professional diploma in public relations from the London School of Public Relations. His focus on AI and civic tech during his time as a policy fellow with Quantum Alliance AI in the USA further illustrates his commitment to advancing the intersection of technology and governance.
His expansive career in the National Assembly spans multiple roles, evolving from Research and Media Assistant to serving as both the Minority and Majority Leader during the 7th and 8th Assemblies. He further consolidated his experience by holding positions such as Special Adviser, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Chief of Staff to the Speaker during the 9th and 10th Assemblies.
In October 2023, he began working directly with the presidency as the senior special assistant on intergovernmental affairs, a role he maintained until his recent appointment. His research in public policy is well-regarded, having contributed to pivotal legislation like the Interest-Free Student Loan Act.
A statement from presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that Olanrewaju-Smart's appointment is effective immediately. The statement expressed President Tinubu's confidence in Olanrewaju-Smart's ability to utilize his extensive experience and dedication to enhance legislative coordination and relations between the presidency, ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and the House of Representatives.
Why This Matters
Olanrewaju-Smart's appointment is poised to strengthen the relationship between the presidency and the National Assembly, ensuring effective governance and policy implementation.