Meet Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart, Harvard Graduate and Legislative Strategist Appointed Tinubu’s Adviser

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart as Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives) has brought into the spotlight one of the Presidency’s emerging technocrats, whose career spans legislative administration, public policy, governance and artificial intelligence.

At 40, Olanrewaju-Smart combines over a decade of experience in Nigeria’s legislative system with an impressive academic background that includes a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University, a PhD in Educational Management, and specialised studies in Artificial Intelligence at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

His appointment, announced by the Presidency on Sunday, follows the resignation of Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who stepped down to contest an elective office in his home state.

Early Life and Education

Olanrewaju-Smart began his academic journey at Lead City University, Ibadan, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Educational Management and Economics in 2011, graduating with a first-class equivalent CGPA of 4.48/5.0. During his undergraduate years, he served as President of the Students’ Representative Council and was selected as the convocation speaker for the graduating class.

He later earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in Educational Management from the same institution. His doctoral research focused on institutional autonomy, regulatory frameworks and governance structures in Nigerian universities.

Seeking to broaden his expertise in governance and public administration, he proceeded to Harvard University, where he obtained a Master of Public Administration in 2025. At Harvard Kennedy School, he was recognised as an Edward Mason Fellow and served as Sector Chair for Social Justice under the Business and Government Professional Interest Council.

While studying at Harvard, he also enrolled in courses at MIT, focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Social Media and technology governance under the LEAPS Fellowship Programme.

He is also pursuing a Professional Diploma in Public Relations and Image Management at the London School of Public Relations and holds an Advanced Certificate in Information Technology Management.

Career in Public Service

Olanrewaju-Smart’s journey in public service began during his National Youth Service in 2011 as a Research Assistant with the House of Representatives Committee on Education and the Ad Hoc Committee on the Fuel Subsidy Probe.

He subsequently served as Research and Media Assistant to the Minority Leader in the 7th National Assembly before joining the Office of the Majority Leader during the 8th Assembly.

His steady rise through the legislative hierarchy saw him occupy strategic positions in the Office of the Speaker, including Special Adviser on Political Matters, Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff and Acting Chief of Staff across the 9th and 10th National Assemblies.

In October 2023, President Tinubu appointed him Senior Special Assistant on Intergovernmental Affairs, where he coordinated relations between the Presidency and other tiers of government before his latest elevation.

Beyond government service, he is a Policy Fellow at Quantum Alliance AI, contributing to research on artificial intelligence governance, digital public infrastructure and emerging technologies. He is also an alumnus of the United States Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

New National Assignment

As Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representative), Olanrewaju-Smart will serve as a key liaison between the Presidency and the House of Representatives, facilitating executive-legislative engagement, coordinating legislative priorities and supporting the passage of government policies and bills.

His appointment places him at the centre of the Tinubu administration’s engagement with lawmakers at a time when effective collaboration between the executive and legislature remains critical to the implementation of the government’s economic reforms and development agenda.