Dr. Betta Edu is a Nigerian politician and the current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In this article, we will delve into her biography, family background, educational achievements, career trajectory, and controversies surrounding her.
Dr. Betta Edu Biography
Dr. Betta Edu was born on October 27, 1986, in Abi, Cross River State, Nigeria. She hails from the Ibalebo community in the Abi Local Government Area. As a devoted Christian, her faith has played a significant role in shaping her life and career.
Dr. Betta Edu Educational Background
Dr. Edu received her secondary education at the Federal Government Girls College in Calabar. She then pursued a degree in medicine and surgery at the University of Calabar. Her thirst for knowledge led her to obtain a master’s degree from the University of London. Additionally, she pursued advanced degrees in various medical and leadership fields, including a fellowship with the Royal Society for Public Health and a degree from Harvard University.
Dr. Betta Edu Political Career
Dr. Betta Edu’s political journey began during her time as a student at the University of Calabar. She served as the vice president of the university’s Student Union Government from 2007 to 2008, showcasing her early leadership skills. Her political career continued to flourish as she became actively involved in the All Progressive Congress (APC) party.
In 2015, Dr. Edu was appointed as Governor Benedict Ayade’s special advisor on community and primary health care, becoming the youngest person in the nation to hold such a position. Her dedication and expertise in healthcare led to her appointment as the pioneer Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Agency in 2016. She served in this capacity until she was appointed as the Cross River State Commissioner for Health in 2019.
During her tenure as the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Edu played a crucial role in leading the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She presided over the Cross River State COVID-19 Taskforce and established an emergency operations center for COVID-19 in the state. Her efforts were recognized nationwide, and she was appointed as the National Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum in August 2020.
Controversies
Despite her achievements, Dr. Betta Edu’s career has not been without controversies. In 2020, she faced allegations of uploading fake pictures of ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to the withdrawal of services by the Cross River State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association and a vote of no confidence in her leadership.
In 2022, during her candidacy for the national women leader position in the APC, Dr. Edu faced disqualification threats due to a provision in the Nigerian Electoral Act. The provision states that political appointees cannot vote or serve as voting delegates at a political party’s convention or congress. However, Dr. Edu clarified that she had resigned from her position as the Cross River State Commissioner for Health at the time of her candidacy.