Dr. Adetola Ariyiike Salau
Dr. Adetola Salau is a renowned education policy strategist and social innovator, focused on integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) into Africa’s education systems to advance sustainable development. Her work directly supports key global priorities including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
She currently serves as the Special Adviser on Education, Policy Formulation, and Human Capital Development to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria. From 2020 to 2023, she was the Senior Special Assistant on Education to the Governor of Lagos State, where she led initiatives aimed at improving curriculum relevance, equitable access, and learning outcomes in public schools.
Dr. Salau is the founder of Carisma4U Educational Foundation, a nonprofit advancing equitable STEM education and re-engineering learning mindsets, particularly among girls and youth in underserved communities. The Foundation’s programs align closely with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and are designed to promote innovation, critical thinking, and future-readiness among students and educators across Nigeria.
She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning from the University at Buffalo (SUNY), two Master’s degrees in Engineering Management and Chemical Engineering from Syracuse University, and a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Fordham University. She is also an alumna of the MIT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Bootcamp.
Her global contributions include serving on the Smithsonian Science Education Center’s STEM4SD advisory group, being selected as a MovingWorlds Institute Fellow, and participating in the inaugural HP Cambridge Partnership for Education Technology fellowship for African education leaders.
Dr. Salau is the author of ten published books on STEM education and innovative thinking. Her work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Ambassador of STEM Award, Africa Award for Excellence, and the LAI Research Excellence Award.
She continues to shape education policy and practice in Nigeria and across the continent, with a focus on equity, innovation, and measurable impact in human capital development.
Who is Dr. Adetola Salau?
Dr. Adetola Salau is a renowned education policy strategist, social innovator, and STEM education advocate with over two decades of experience. She is widely recognized for her contributions to transforming African education systems to be inclusive, equitable, and future-focused.
What is Dr. Salau's current role?
She currently serves as the Special Adviser on Education, Policy Formulation, and Human Capital Development to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria. In this capacity, she leads state-wide education reforms and innovative human capital initiatives.
What are some of her past roles?
From 2020 to 2023, Dr. Salau served as the Senior Special Assistant on Education to the Governor of Lagos State, where she led initiatives like STEAM UP Lagos, promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in public schools.
What is STEAM UP Kwara?
Launched in 2024, STEAM UP Kwara is a strategic initiative aimed at institutionalizing STEAM education in Kwara State. It focuses on teacher capacity-building, modern classroom learning, and student-led problem solving aligned with the state’s broader education transformation goals.