..says move signals push for stronger communication, transparency in the sector

The Federal Government has appointed veteran broadcaster, Mr Ikharo Attah, as Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, in a move seen as part of efforts to strengthen public engagement and improve communication around ongoing reforms in the education sector.

The appointment, conveyed in a letter dated April 28, 2026, places Attah at the centre of the Ministry’s media strategy at a time when stakeholders have increasingly demanded clearer messaging on policy direction, funding, and reform outcomes.

Announcing the development, the Ministry said the decision aligns with the Minister’s priorities of “enhancing transparency and ensuring effective communication of key reforms and initiatives.”

In his new role, Attah is expected to lead the Minister’s media interface, oversee public communications, and coordinate digital and social media engagement, while ensuring consistency in messaging across platforms.

He would also advise on high-level communication strategies and support crisis communication efforts aimed at safeguarding the Ministry’s public image.

A statement signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Strategy and Implementation, Lanre Lamina, emphasised the importance of the role in shaping public perception of government policies.

The statement partly reads: “The appointment is in line with the Minister’s strategic priorities to strengthen public engagement, enhance transparency, and ensure effective communication of key reforms and initiatives in the education sector.”

Attah brings over two decades of experience in broadcast journalism to the role. He began his career with DBN Television and currently serves at Independent Television, where he rose to the position of Manager, News and Current Affairs.

Beyond the newsroom, he has held several public service roles, including Chairman of the FCT Task Force on Traffic Decongestion in 2019 and Chairman of the FCT Task Force on Enforcement of COVID-19 Protocols in 2020.

He was later appointed Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement in the Federal Capital Territory Administration in November 2021.