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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed seasoned legislative strategist and public policy expert, Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart, as Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), in a move aimed at strengthening executive-legislative collaboration and enhancing policy coordination with the Green Chamber.
The appointment, which takes immediate effect, was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
Olanrewaju-Smart succeeds Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who resigned from the position to pursue an elective office in his home state.
According to the Presidency, the appointment reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to fostering a stronger working relationship between the Executive and the House of Representatives as the administration advances its legislative agenda and governance reforms.
At 40, Olanrewaju-Smart brings to the role a blend of academic excellence, policy expertise and extensive experience in legislative administration and executive governance.
He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Management from Lead City University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University, where he was an Edward Mason Fellow in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School.
His professional development also includes the Leadership Excellence through Advanced Practice and Scholarship (LEAPS) Fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a Professional Diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Public Relations, and a Policy Fellowship at Quantum Alliance AI in the United States, with a focus on artificial intelligence and civic technology.
Olanrewaju-Smart has built an impressive career within Nigeria’s legislative system. He began as Research and Media Assistant to the Minority and Majority Leader of the House of Representatives during the Seventh and Eighth National Assemblies before rising to serve as Special Adviser, Deputy Chief of Staff and later Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in both the Ninth and Tenth Assemblies.
He joined the Presidency in October 2023 as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Intergovernmental Affairs, where he coordinated engagements between the Federal Government and other tiers of government until his latest appointment.
Beyond public service, Olanrewaju-Smart has contributed to the development of key public policies through research that supported several landmark legislative initiatives, including the Interest-Free Student Loan Act and other governance reforms.
Expressing confidence in the new appointee, President Tinubu said Olanrewaju-Smart would bring his wealth of experience and expertise to the position.
“He will deploy his experience, intellect, and commitment to strengthening legislative coordination and relations between the Presidency, MDAs and the House of Representatives,” the President said.
As Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Olanrewaju-Smart will serve as the principal liaison between the Presidency and the Green Chamber, facilitating collaboration on government policies, legislative priorities and national development initiatives.
