Tinubu Appoints Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart Special Adviser on House of Reps Matters

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Dr Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart as his new Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters, House of Representatives.

Olanrewaju-Smart replaces Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who resigned from the position to contest for an elective office in his home state.

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was announced in a statement by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Olanrewaju-Smart, 40, is a scholar and public policy expert with extensive experience in legislative affairs, public administration and government relations.

He holds a PhD in Educational Management from Lead City University and a master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University. He is also an Edward Mason Fellow in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School.

The new presidential aide was a LEAPS Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and holds a professional diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Public Relations.

He also previously served as a policy fellow at Quantum Alliance AI in the United States, where he focused on artificial intelligence and civic technology.

His career in the National Assembly spans several years, during which he served in various capacities, including Research and Media Assistant to the Minority and Majority Leaders of the House of Representatives during the 7th and 8th Assemblies.

He later served as Special Adviser and Deputy Chief of Staff before becoming Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives during the 9th and 10th Assemblies.

Olanrewaju-Smart joined the Presidency in October 2023 as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Intergovernmental Affairs, a position he held until his latest appointment.

His public policy research portfolio includes contributions to several major legislative initiatives, including the Interest-Free Student Loan Act.

Announcing the appointment, Onanuga said President Tinubu was confident that Olanrewaju-Smart's experience and expertise would strengthen coordination between the Presidency, government ministries, departments and agencies, and the House of Representatives.

“President Tinubu is confident that Olanrewaju-Smart will use his experience, intellect, and commitment to strengthening legislative coordination and relations between the presidency, MDAs, and the House of Representatives,” the statement said.

The appointment comes as the Tinubu administration continues to prioritise engagement with the National Assembly on legislation and government policies, with the new adviser expected to facilitate closer relations between the executive and the House of Representatives.