President Bola Tinubu has named Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart, a 40-year-old Harvard-trained public policy expert, as his new Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives). The appointment takes immediate effect, following the resignation of the previous occupant, Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who stepped down to pursue an elective political office in his home state.
Announcement and immediate effect
The presidency confirmed the development in a statement released on Sunday by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, "This appointment is with immediate effect." Olanrewaju-Smart brings a wealth of legislative experience and academic distinction to the role, having previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Intergovernmental Affairs since October 2023.
Academic credentials and training
Olanrewaju-Smart holds a Doctorate in Educational Management from Lead City University and a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard University, where he was an Edward Mason Fellow in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. He also earned a Professional Diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Public Relations. His leadership training includes participation as a LEAPS Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a Policy Fellow at Quantum Alliance AI in the United States, focusing on artificial intelligence and civic technology.
Extensive National Assembly experience
According to the presidency, Olanrewaju-Smart has built a substantial career within the National Assembly. His roles have included Research and Media Assistant to the Minority/Majority Leader of the House of Representatives during the 7th and 8th Assemblies, as well as Special Adviser, Deputy Chief of Staff, and ultimately Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 9th and 10th Assemblies. This trajectory has equipped him with deep insights into legislative processes and executive-legislative relations.
Key role and legislative contributions
As the newly appointed Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Olanrewaju-Smart will act as the principal liaison between the Presidency, federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), and the House of Representatives. The presidency highlighted his public policy research portfolio, which includes work on landmark legislations such as the Interest-Free Student Loan Act. President Tinubu expressed confidence that Olanrewaju-Smart's expertise will strengthen coordination and facilitate the passage of government bills and other policy priorities.
Background of the vacancy
The vacancy arose after the former Special Adviser, Ibrahim Olanrewaju, resigned to contest an elective political office. Olanrewaju-Smart's appointment is seen as a strategic move to maintain continuity and enhance communication between the executive and the legislature, a critical function for advancing the administration's legislative agenda.
