Dr Betta Edu Biography
Dr. Betta Edu, born on October 27, 1986, hails from the Ibalebo community in the Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Renowned as a devoted wife and mother, she has carved her niche as a distinguished Nigerian politician and healthcare leader.
Dr Betta Edu Education
Her educational odyssey began at the Federal Government Girls College Calabar, where she completed her high school education in 2001. In 2009, Dr. Betta Edu earned her first-degree, a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, from the esteemed University of Calabar.
Her quest for knowledge led her to pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health for Developing Countries at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Subsequently, she obtained a Master’s degree in Public Health in Developing Countries from the same institution. Her academic journey culminated in a Doctor of Public Health degree from Texila American University, marking her commitment to healthcare advancement.
Dr Betta Edu Career
Dr. Betta Edu’s foray into politics commenced during her tenure at the University of Calabar, where she distinguished herself as the Vice President of the Student Union Government from 2007 to 2008. Her exceptional leadership skills saw her ascend to pivotal positions, including the presidency of the University of Calabar’s female leadership forum.
Recognized as one of Nigeria’s youngest politicians, she made significant strides in public service, notably serving as Governor Benedict Ayade’s Special Advisor on Community and Primary Health Care in 2015. Her impactful tenure included pioneering the Cross River State Primary Health Care Agency in May 2016 and eventually assuming the role of Cross River State Commissioner for Health in 2019.
Despite her accomplishments, her tenure as the State Commissioner for Health was clouded by controversy, particularly allegations of unethical handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to a vote of no confidence from the Cross River state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association and withdrawal of medical services from hospitals in the state.
Dr Betta Edu Personal Life
Dr Betta Edu is married to be married with two children. Her husbands’s name is Mr Edu.
Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Betta Edu is recognized as a philanthropist who passionately supports the education of underprivileged children in her community. Her dedication to her family remains a cornerstone of her life, alongside her active engagement in politics and healthcare governance.
Dr Betta Edu Controversy
Dr. Betta Edu’s political journey was marred by allegations and controversies, including ethical concerns during her tenure as the State Commissioner for Health. Accusations ranged from uploading false images of ventilators during the COVID-19 crisis to a scandal involving a significant sum allegedly directed to a private account.
President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Dr. Betta Edu from the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation role following a scandal involving an alleged N585 million payment stands as a significant mark in her career.
Beta Edu is set to attend an invitation from the anti-corruption agency after she was suspended by President Bola Tinubu. The President ordered a thorough investigation into her time as a minister, leading to the invitation.
Meanwhile, the EFCC questioned Edu’s predecessor, Sadiya Farouq, concerning an alleged misappropriation of N37.1 billion during her tenure as a minister in the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration. Farouq remained at the EFCC office till 6 pm on Monday.
Edu encountered a scandal involving a N585 million payment in her ministry, which drew criticism from various rights groups and activists. Her situation worsened when the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, confirmed that her office did not act on the humanitarian ministry’s payment request.
In a statement on Monday afternoon, the presidential spokesperson disclosed that President Tinubu suspended Edu immediately and instructed the EFCC Chairman to thoroughly investigate all financial transactions involving the ministry.
Edu, aged 37, the youngest cabinet member before her suspension, had swiftly ascended in politics, holding state and national positions at a young age. She previously served as Cross River State Commissioner for Health and was the National Women Leader of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). Edu was an active participant in Tinubu’s campaign, supporting him during the election process that led to his presidency.
She assumed her ministerial role about three months after Tinubu took office as President. However, her tenure as minister was short-lived, lasting only around six months, which might be one of the briefest tenures of a minister in recent history.
Dr. Betta Edu Net Worth
Dr. Betta Edu’s net worth is approximately $1 million, stemming from her various income sources.
Dr. Betta Edu’s trajectory from an ambitious student leader to a prominent Nigerian politician and healthcare administrator has been a mix of notable achievements and turbulent controversies. Her dedication to public service, coupled with her educational accomplishments and philanthropic endeavors, defines her multifaceted persona, albeit overshadowed by political turbulence and ethical scrutiny.
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Sage is a financial/consumer journalist and senior editor, personal finance, of TrendsHQ. EXPERTISE: Personal Finance, Careers, Jobs, Scholarships, and Entertainment.