Dr. Adetola Salau Appointed STEMM Adviser to Nigeria’s Education Minister
In a move that signals a bold shift toward innovation in Nigeria’s education sector, Dr. Adetola Salau has been appointed Special Adviser on STEMM and Corporate Sector Engagement to the Federal Ministry of Education.
The announcement came via a letter dated July 3, 2025, signed by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. This strategic appointment aims to fast-track the Ministry’s efforts to drive educational transformation through Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Science (STEMM) and strong private sector partnerships.
“Dr. Salau’s outstanding expertise, unwavering dedication, and exemplary service in advancing STEMM education make her an invaluable asset,” the Minister stated.
With her new federal portfolio, Dr. Adetola Salau’s STEMM adviser role is to strengthen Nigeria’s education framework by improving learning outcomes, expanding teacher capacity, and embedding workforce readiness into curricula through collaboration with industries and development partners.
From State-Level Reformer to National Trailblazer
Before her national appointment, Dr. Salau served as Special Adviser on Education, Policy, and Human Capital Development to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Kwara State. Before that, she held the post of Senior Special Assistant on Education to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos State, where she led major reforms in STEAM education, teacher training, and curriculum innovation.
Her work in both states received commendations from key professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, as well as recognition from Lagos State University Students’ Union.
Academic Credentials & Global Pedagogical Impact
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on June 24, 1977, Dr. Adetola Salau is a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States. She holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Fordham University, as well as a Master’s degree in Engineering Management and Chemical Engineering from Syracuse University. Her Doctorate in Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning was earned from the State University of New York, Buffalo.
She is a licensed mathematics educator in New York, having taught across New York, California, South Carolina, and North Carolina. She has also lectured at Fordham University, The College of New Rochelle, and several polytechnics.
A prolific author and certified STEM expert, Dr. Salau has written over ten books, including Re-engineering Minds for Innovative Thinking, Bridging Two Worlds, Reimaging African Education, and Future Readiness in Education, and is a frequent contributor to academic journals and policy thought pieces.
Scaling Impact Through STEMM and Partnerships
In her new role as STEMM adviser, Dr. Adetola Salau’s responsibilities will include leading national conversations on STEMM integration, establishing public-private initiatives, and designing programs that align Nigeria’s education system with global innovation trends.
She has previously overseen statewide teacher training, STEAM curriculum development, and evaluation of education programs, consistently pushing for policies that elevate learning standards and equip students with skills for the future.
“This is a critical moment for STEMM education in Nigeria. I am honoured to serve and work towards building an innovative, inclusive, and future-ready education framework for all Nigerian learners,” Dr. Salau said in her statement.
A New Chapter for Nigeria’s Education Reform
With Dr. Adetola Salau now advising at the federal level, education stakeholders are optimistic about deeper engagement with corporate partners, greater alignment with 21st-century workforce needs, and a more robust national strategy for STEMM education.
Her appointment represents not just a new title but a renewed commitment to building an education system that empowers, innovates, and transforms.
