Ten things to know about new Minister of State for Education, Dr Suwaiba Ahmad Said

By Ahmadu Dansardauna

In a bold move , President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday , relieved five ministers of their appointment and appointed seven new ministers .Taking the new role of Minister of State for Education is Dr Suwaiba Ahmad Said , 43, is set to assume this crucial role immediately after her confirmation by the senate and swearing-in by the President.

Below are ten things to know about the new Minister of State for Education

1. Born on February 13, 1981, in Jigawa State.Dr. Ahmad’s educational journey began at Bayero University Staff Primary and Secondary Schools .

1. Her dedication to education continued as she pursued higher education, culminating in a distinguished academic background. She earned her:Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Science Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (2014). Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum Studies from Bayero University, Kano (2009).Bachelor of Science Education (B.Sc. Ed) in Chemistry from Bayero University, Kano (2003).

1. She is the current Provost Jigawa State College of Education, Ringim.She is an associate professor of Education (Chemistry Education) with research expertise in depth specialization in Education, Girl Child Education, Science Education, Curriculum Studies, Chemistry Education and Research Methods.
2. She was the first female from Jigawa State to obtain a PhD in the rare field of Science Education. Her Google Scholar profiles her impressive research in Chemistry Education, Science Education and Gender Studies. Her Research Gate profile highlights one of the first experimental uses of AI ChatGPT in Organic Chemistry Classrooms – demonstrating her future-oriented focus on embracing AI in high school education.

1. Dr. Ahmad brings over 19 years of experience in education, governance, and developmental research to this new role, positioning her as a key figure in the advancement of Nigeria’s educational sector. She was employed as Graduate Assistant in 2005 and rose to the rank of Associate Professor in 2021 in the Faculty of Education, Bayero University, Kano.

1. . Dr Suwaiba brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served as Provost, Jigawa State College of Education and Legal Studies, Ringim (March 2024- October 2024), Director, Centre for Gender Studies (2022- 2024), Head of Department Science and Technology Education (2020-2022), Sub-Dean Academic, Faculty of Education (2016-2021) among others.
2. She has also supervised over 150 undergraduates and more than 40 postgraduate students at the masters ’levels. She has attended many conferences both local and international and presented papers. Dr Suwaiba has been an external examiner for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in some Universities.
3. As Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, she was a staunch advocate for gender equality, particularly in educational access for women and girls in Northern Nigeria. She equally participated and led on various researches on issues to do with girls’ education and challenges.

1. While as Consultant and Researcher (2010–Present), Dr. Ahmad’s consultancy work has involved collaborations with numerous international organizations, including: British Council, Education Data, Research and Evaluation (EDOREN), Partnership to Engage, Reform and Learn (PERL), Partnership for Learning For all in Nigeria (PLANE) and Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO).
2. Dr. Ahmad has contributed significantly to academic literature has participated and presented papers at more than 20 conferences both locally and internationally, with her research focusing on science education, gender issues, and teacher competency.

Dansardauna wrote in from Abuja