He 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 by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Dr. Olanrewaju Smart is a scholar and public policy expert with extensive experience in legislative affairs, governance and public administration. He holds a PhD in Educational Management from Lead City University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University, where he was also an Edward Mason Fellow in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School.
The 40 year old policy expert was also 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 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 positions, 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, Deputy Chief of Staff and 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 landmark legislative initiatives, including the Interest Free Student Loan Act.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that the new Special Adviser would bring his experience, intellect and commitment to strengthening legislative coordination and relations between the Presidency, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and the House of Representatives.
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