Dr. Tunji Alausa Takes Office as Nigeria’s 31st Minister of Education
On October 23, 2024, President Bola Tinubu appointed Dr. Tunji Alausa as Nigeria's 31st Minister of Education during a significant cabinet reshuffle. Dr. Alausa, who previously served as the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, takes over from Prof. Tahir Mamman.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
In a significant cabinet reshuffle on October 23, 2024, President Bola Tinubu announced the appointment of Dr. Tunji Alausa as Nigeria’s 31st Minister of Education. Dr. Alausa, previously the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, succeeds Prof. Tahir Mamman, who was part of the recent ministerial changes affecting multiple portfolios.
Dr. Alausa, a distinguished medical professional, earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Lagos in 1993. He has received accolades in the United States, being recognized as one of America’s Best Physicians in 2007 and 2012. With a robust background in nephrology, Dr. Alausa completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Cook County Hospital in Chicago from 1997 to 2001, where he served as Chief Medical Resident. He later held a position as an Assistant Professor at Rush University Medical School and underwent specialized training in Nephrology and Hypertension at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
His impressive academic journey includes additional residency training at the Royal Bolton Hospital and the University of Newcastle in the UK. Dr. Alausa has dedicated himself to improving healthcare access for underserved communities, significantly impacting patients with chronic kidney disease. His philanthropic work has earned him numerous accolades, and he has contributed to medical literature, with publications in prestigious journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine.
As a member of the Eko Club International Medical mission, Dr. Alausa has led numerous missions to Lagos State from the United States, demonstrating his commitment to community service. He is also actively involved with Lagosians of Chicago, fostering connections among Lagos indigenes in the diaspora.
The appointment of Dr. Alausa comes at a pivotal time as the Federal Ministry of Education faces numerous challenges and opportunities for reform. His extensive experience in healthcare and community service may provide valuable perspectives on educational initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of Nigerian students.
Dr. Alausa joins a notable list of former Ministers of Education, including Aja Nwachukwu, Oby Ezekwesili, and Adamu Adamu, and will strive to continue the legacy of enhancing education in Nigeria.
In this cabinet reshuffle, four ministers, including Ruquyyat Rufa’i and the immediate past Minister, Tahir Mamman, were relieved of their duties, signaling a new direction for the Tinubu administration.
Dr. Tunji Alausa now steps into a critical role at a time when educational reforms and improved access to quality education are imperative for Nigeria's development.
