Aisha Buhari is one of the most recognized women in modern Nigerian public life. She served as the First Lady of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, during the presidency of her husband, Muhammadu Buhari. Beyond the title, Aisha Buhari is known as a beauty therapist, businesswoman, author, and women’s rights advocate. Her time in public life attracted praise, criticism, and intense national debate, making her one of the most talked-about First Ladies in Nigeria’s history.
This in-depth biography explores Aisha Buhari’s background, education, career journey, personal life, public controversies, and her role in Nigerian society. The article is written in simple English and structured to give readers clear, helpful, and engaging information.
Biography
Aisha Halilu Buhari was born on 17 February 1971 in Adamawa State, located in northeastern Nigeria. She comes from a respected and influential family. Her grandfather, Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu, was Nigeria’s first Minister of Defence, a historical figure in the country’s early political development.
Her father was a civil engineer, while her mother came from the Ankali family, known for farming and community contributions. Aisha spent her early years in Adamawa, where she completed her primary and secondary education. Growing up in northern Nigeria shaped her values, cultural outlook, and later advocacy for women and children.
On 2 December 1989, Aisha married Muhammadu Buhari, a former military head of state who later became Nigeria’s democratically elected president. Buhari already had children from a previous marriage, and together, the couple had five children. Over the years, Aisha Buhari also became a grandmother.
Her life changed significantly in 2015 when her husband won the presidential election. As First Lady, she stepped into a national spotlight that brought both influence and scrutiny.
Education
Education played a major role in shaping Aisha Buhari’s professional and public identity. She pursued studies across different fields, combining public administration, international relations, and beauty therapy.
She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Ambrose Alli University. This academic background gave her knowledge of governance, policy, and public service.
Aisha later obtained a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna. This advanced degree strengthened her understanding of national and global political issues, security, and diplomacy.
In addition to academic degrees, she pursued professional training in beauty and cosmetology. She earned a Diploma in Beauty Therapy from the Carlton Institute of Beauty Therapy in Windsor, United Kingdom. She also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Cosmetology and Beauty from the Academy Esthetique Beauty Institute of France.
Aisha Buhari is a member of professional international bodies, including the United Kingdom Vocational Training and Charitable Trust and the International Health and Beauty Council, reflecting her commitment to professional standards.
Career
Business and Beauty Industry
Before becoming First Lady, Aisha Buhari built a successful career in the beauty industry. She founded Hanzy Spa and served as the Managing Director. She also became the Principal of Hanzy Beauty Institute, with branches in Kaduna and Abuja.
Her work focused on professional beauty therapy and training. She became a resource person for the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), contributing to curriculum development for small and medium enterprises in beauty therapy and cosmetology.
Aisha also authored a professional book titled Essentials of Beauty Therapy: A Complete Guide for Beauty Specialists, which was later recommended as a learning text under the NBTE curriculum. This achievement positioned her as both a practitioner and an educator in the beauty industry.
After Muhammadu Buhari became president in 2015, Aisha closed her beauty businesses to avoid conflicts of interest.
Political Advocacy and First Lady Role
As First Lady, Aisha Buhari became an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, children’s welfare, education, and health. During the 2015 election campaign, she played a visible role, especially among women and youth.
She consistently spoke against child marriage, stressing that girls should complete at least primary and secondary education before marriage. She publicly stated that no girl should be married before the age of 17.
In 2015, during an international conference in Buenos Aires, she called for stronger Nigerian laws to protect women from early marriage, sex trafficking, and abuse. She also raised awareness about child sexual abuse and human trafficking.
Humanitarian Work and Future Assured
Aisha Buhari founded the Future Assured Initiative, a program focused on improving the health and well-being of women, children, and vulnerable groups. The initiative was officially launched in 2015 during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
She was actively involved in humanitarian work, especially among internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. After visiting IDP camps in Borno State, she set up committees to distribute relief materials.
She also donated proceeds from her book sales to families affected by national tragedies, including parents of the Chibok girls, victims of the Buni Yadi massacre, and malnourished children.
Another notable initiative was the Aisha Buhari Cup, an invitational football tournament organized to support the Nigerian women’s national football team, promoting women’s sports in Nigeria.
Personal Life
Aisha Buhari is a mother of five children and values family life deeply. Despite her public role, she often described herself as a wife and mother first. She balanced family responsibilities with national duties throughout her time as First Lady.
She was married to Muhammadu Buhari for over three decades until his death in 2025. Their marriage attracted public attention, especially when she openly expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of his administration, a rare move for a Nigerian First Lady.
Aisha Buhari is known for her confidence, independence, and willingness to speak her mind. She once stated that her role as First Lady would remain within what is constitutionally recognized, emphasizing restraint and responsibility.
Controversies
Aisha Buhari’s outspoken nature led to several major controversies during her time in public life.
2016 Political Statement Controversy
In October 2016, she publicly stated that she would not support her husband’s re-election unless he took control of his government. This caused national debate. President Buhari responded with a remark suggesting that his wife belonged to his “kitchen and living room,” which drew widespread criticism and international attention.
Villa Incident with Fatima Daura (2019)
In October 2019, Fatima Daura, daughter of Mamman Daura, accused Aisha Buhari of verbal abuse at the Presidential Villa. A video recording surfaced, which Aisha confirmed was her voice. She later apologized, explaining that the incident occurred during tensions over access to parts of the villa.
Aminu Adamu Mohammed Case (2022)
In 2022, a university student, Aminu Adamu Mohammed, was arrested over a tweet criticizing Aisha Buhari. The case sparked outrage from human rights groups, students, and international organizations. After public pressure and global attention, all charges were dropped in December 2022 following the withdrawal of the complaint by Aisha Buhari.
Conclusion
Aisha Buhari’s life reflects a blend of education, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and controversy. From a beauty therapist and businesswoman to the First Lady of Nigeria, she broke traditional expectations and remained outspoken throughout her public life. Her advocacy for women and children left a lasting impact, even as her controversies sparked debate about power, free speech, and the role of political spouses.
Whether admired or criticized, Aisha Buhari remains a significant figure in Nigeria’s modern history, remembered for her bold voice and active presence in national affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Aisha Buhari?
Aisha Buhari is a Nigerian beauty therapist, author, and former First Lady of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023.
2. How old is Aisha Buhari?
She was born on 17 February 1971 and is 54 years old.
3. What is Aisha Buhari’s educational background?
She holds degrees in public administration and international affairs, as well as professional diplomas in beauty therapy and cosmetology.
4. What is the Future Assured Initiative?
It is a program founded by Aisha Buhari to support women’s and children’s health, especially among vulnerable communities.
5. Why was Aisha Buhari involved in controversies?
Her outspoken comments, family disputes within the Presidential Villa, and the 2022 social media arrest case made her a frequent subject of public debate.
Peter Charles is a journalist and writer who covers battery-material recycling, urban mining, and the growing use of microreactors in industry. With 10 years of experience in industrial reporting, he explains new technologies and industry changes in clear, simple terms. He holds both a BSc and an MSc in Electrical Engineering, which gives him the technical knowledge to report accurately and insightfully on these topics.
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