By Ahmadu Dansardauna
In a recent decision, President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, dismissed five ministers and appointed seven new ones. Dr. Suwaiba Ahmad Said, 43, has taken on the role of Minister of State for Education following her confirmation by the Senate and swearing-in by the President.
Here are ten key facts about the new Minister of State for Education:
1. Dr. Ahmad was born on February 13, 1981, in Jigawa State. She began her education at Bayero University Staff Primary and Secondary Schools.
2. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Science Education from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (2014), a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum Studies from Bayero University, Kano (2009), and a Bachelor of Science Education (B.Sc. Ed) in Chemistry from Bayero University, Kano (2003).
3. Dr. Ahmad is currently the Provost of Jigawa State College of Education, Ringim, and an associate professor specializing in Education, Girl Child Education, Science Education, Curriculum Studies, Chemistry Education, and Research Methods.
4. She was the first woman from Jigawa State to earn a Ph.D. in Science Education. Her research in Chemistry Education, Science Education, and Gender Studies is profiled on Google Scholar, and her Research Gate profile highlights her experimental use of AI in Organic Chemistry classrooms.
5. With over 19 years of experience in education, research, and governance, Dr. Ahmad was employed as a Graduate Assistant in 2005 and became an Associate Professor in 2021 at Bayero University, Kano.
6. Dr. Ahmad has served in various roles, including Provost of Jigawa State College of Education and Legal Studies, Ringim (March 2024 – October 2024), Director of the Centre for Gender Studies (2022 – 2024), Head of Department of Science and Technology Education (2020-2022), and Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Education (2016-2021).
7. She has supervised over 150 undergraduates and more than 40 master’s students and has been an external examiner for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in several universities.
8. As Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, she advocated for gender equality, focusing on educational access for women and girls in Northern Nigeria. She has also conducted research on challenges faced by girls in education.
9. Dr. Ahmad has worked as a consultant and researcher since 2010, collaborating with organizations such as the British Council, EDOREN, PERL, PLANE, and the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO).
10. She has contributed to academic literature, presenting papers at over 20 conferences locally and internationally, with research focusing on science education, gender issues, and teacher competency.
Dansardauna reports from Abuja.
