“Tinubu Cleans House: Five Ministers Out Over Performance Woes”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently dismissed five ministers in a bid to improve his administration’s effectiveness, citing public dissatisfaction and a lack of impact. The ministers—Prof. Tahir Mamman (Education), Uju Kennedy Ohanenye (Women Affairs), Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (Youth Development), Lola Ade-John (Tourism), and Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo (Housing)—were removed following a performance review spearheaded by Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, who used data and public feedback to assess their contributions.

Reasons for Dismissal

Prof. Tahir Mamman faced criticism over controversial policies, including an unpopular minimum age requirement for university admissions. His approach to appointing governing councils was seen as lacking diversity, sparking criticism for not reflecting Nigeria’s federal character.

Uju Kennedy Ohanenye encountered backlash for her handling of a sexual harassment case at the University of Calabar, where her comments defending the accused dean drew strong public criticism. Her statements on other issues, including threats to sue the United Nations over fund management, also fueled calls for her resignation from advocacy groups.

Lola Ade-John, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, and Abdullahi Muhammad Gwarzo were reportedly dismissed due to insufficient progress in tourism, youth development, and housing. Ade-John’s frequent absences, coupled with limited contributions in tourism, were noted as significant factors.

These dismissals underscore President Tinubu’s focus on accountability, public trust, and the administration’s responsiveness to the Nigerian public’s expectations.