Tunji Alausa

Morufu Olatunji "Tunji" Alausa (born 18 April 1965) is a Nigerian physician specialising in nephrology and a politician serving as the Minister of Education since October 2024. He previously served as Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare between August 2023 and October 2024 under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Early life and education

Alausa was born on 18 April 1965 in Epe, Lagos State. He studied Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos, graduating with the MBBS degree in 1993.

Medical career

Following graduation, Alausa underwent postgraduate medical training in the United Kingdom and the United States. Between 1995 and 1997, he completed residency training in Internal Medicine at the Royal Bolton Hospital and the University of Newcastle. From 1997 to 2001, he continued his residency at Cook County Hospital, Chicago, where he served as Chief Medical Resident. He subsequently joined Rush University Medical School as an Assistant Professor before completing fellowship training in Nephrology and Hypertension at the Medical College of Wisconsin between 2002 and 2004.

He later practised as a consultant nephrologist in the United States before returning to public service in Nigeria.

Political career

President Bola Tinubu nominated Alausa as Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare in August 2023. Following confirmation by the Senate, he was sworn into office on 21 August 2023.

During his tenure at the Ministry of Health, Alausa participated in initiatives aimed at strengthening primary healthcare, improving disease surveillance and expanding healthcare delivery across Nigeria.

On 23 October 2024, President Tinubu reassigned him as Minister of Education following a cabinet reshuffle that saw the dismissal of five ministers. He succeeded Tahir Mamman.

Honours

Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)