President Bola Tinubu has selected Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart to serve as his Special Adviser on National Assembly matters, specifically for the House of Representatives. He takes over the role from Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who stepped down to pursue a political seat in his home state.
Dr. Olanrewaju-Smart is a seasoned public policy researcher and academic. He earned a PhD in educational management at Lead City University and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University. Additionally, he is an Edward Mason Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and completed time as a LEAPS Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His background also includes professional training in public relations and policy work involving artificial intelligence and civic technology at Quantum Alliance AI.
His legislative history is extensive, having held various advisory and staff positions for the Speaker of the House during the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Assemblies. Before this transition, he worked within the presidency as the Senior Special Assistant on intergovernmental affairs starting in October 2023. He has contributed to significant laws, including the Interest-Free Student Loan Act.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed the appointment is effective immediately. The administration expressed confidence that Olanrewaju-Smart will leverage his background to improve legislative cooperation between the executive branch and the House of Representatives.
