Profile of Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister-Designate of State for Education

On October 23, 2024, President Bola Tinubu appointed Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad as the new Minister of State for Education.

With over 18 years of experience in education, governance, and developmental research, Dr. Ahmad is a seasoned academic and consultant who brings a wealth of expertise to the Ministry of Education.

She is a trained educationist, a gender advocate, and a distinguished academic who has spent her career focusing on improving educational standards, particularly in the areas of girl-child education, science education, and curriculum development.

Early Life and Education

Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad was born on February 13, 1981, in Jigawa State, Nigeria. She pursued her primary and secondary education at Bayero University Staff Primary and Secondary Schools before embarking on her higher education journey.

Academic Qualifications

Dr. Ahmad holds an impressive array of qualifications that reflect her commitment to education and her depth of expertise in the field:

• 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)

Her academic background provides her with a strong foundation to address the educational challenges facing Nigeria, particularly in science education and gender equity in education.

Professional and Academic Experience

Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad’s professional journey spans both academic and consultancy roles, making her one of the most versatile professionals in the field of education.

1. Lecturer and Director of Gender Studies (2004–Present)

Dr. Ahmad has been a faculty member at Bayero University, Kano, since 2004, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor of Chemistry Education. Over the years, she has held various leadership positions within the university, including:

• Director, Centre for Gender Studies (2020–2024)
• Head of Department, Science Education (2018–2020)
• Sub-Dean, Faculty of Education (2016–2021)

Her role as Director of the Centre for Gender Studies highlights her commitment to advocating for gender equality and empowering women through education.

2. Provost, Jigawa State College of Education (2024–Present)

In addition to her academic responsibilities, Dr. Ahmad currently serves as the Provost of the Jigawa State College of Education, where she is responsible for overseeing the training of future educators and implementing policies to enhance teacher education.

3. Consultant and Researcher (2010–Present)

Dr. Ahmad has worked as an independent consultant for numerous international organizations, including the British Council, Education Data, Research and Evaluation in Nigeria (EDOREN), and the Partnership to Engage, Reform, and Learn (PERL). Her consultancy work has primarily focused on research related to education policy, teacher development, and governance reforms in the education sector.

Key Contributions to Education and Governance

1. Advancing Girl-Child Education

Dr. Ahmad has been a strong advocate for girl-child education, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where cultural and socio-economic barriers often hinder girls’ access to education. Her work with organizations like the Girls’ Education Advocacy Research Network (GEARn) and the Aafaaq Educational Foundation has been instrumental in promoting educational opportunities for girls.

2. Policy Planning and Educational Reforms

As a consultant and academic, Dr. Ahmad has played a pivotal role in shaping educational policies in Nigeria. She has led several state-level education assessments and public expenditure analyses aimed at improving the quality of education, particularly in conflict-affected areas like Kano and Jigawa states.

3. Research and Capacity Building

Dr. Ahmad is an accomplished researcher with extensive experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative research. She has led numerous studies on teacher quality, curriculum development, and the impact of educational reforms. Her research has contributed to a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Nigeria’s education system and has provided actionable recommendations for policymakers.

Selected Research and Consultancy Projects

1. Consultant for Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria Education (PLANE)

In 2021, Dr. Ahmad served as a consultant for the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria Education (PLANE), where she provided state-level education sector reports for Jigawa and Kano states. Her work focused on assessing the impact of educational reforms, public expenditure, and the role of conflict and insecurity in education delivery.

2. Education Data, Research, and Evaluation in Nigeria (EDOREN)

Dr. Ahmad has worked extensively with EDOREN on projects related to teacher recruitment and deployment in Kano State. This research helped identify the factors that contribute to teacher effectiveness and the barriers to improving teacher quality in the region.

3. Girls’ Education Advocacy Research Network (GEARn)

As a team leader for GEARn in Jigawa State, Dr. Ahmad conducted research on the Education Sector Support Program (ESSPIN) and the Teacher Development Program (TDP). The study explored the impact of these programs on improving girls’ access to education.

Published Works

Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad is a prolific author, with several published works that contribute to the understanding of education in Nigeria. Some of her notable publications include:

• “Teaching Science for Understanding: The Project-Based Approach” (2013)
• “Strategies for Meeting School-Based Challenges in Gender, Science, Technology, and Mathematics (STM) Education” (2013)
• “Effect of Context-Based Approach on Students’ Perception of Concepts in Chemistry” (2014)
• “Competency-Based Education for Basic Science Teachers in Nigeria” (2018)

Her research primarily focuses on science education, gender issues in education, and teacher competency, which are critical areas for improving the Nigerian education system.

Summary Table of Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad’s Profile