Reuben Abati facts for kids

Reuben Adeleye Abati was born on November 7, 1965. He is a well-known Nigerian journalist, a TV presenter, and a writer for newspapers. He has also been involved in politics.

From 2011 to 2015, Mr. Abati worked as a special helper for the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan. He was in charge of media and public relations for the President. Before that, he was a newspaper writer and led the team that decided what articles would be published in The Guardian newspaper. This was from 2001 to 2011. In 2019, he ran for deputy governor in Ogun State as part of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Education and Learning

Reuben Abati is a very educated person. He finished his first degree from the University of Calabar in Nigeria in 1985. He then continued his studies at the University of Ibadan.

His Degrees and Studies

• He earned a PhD in Theatre Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1990. This degree focused on plays, their stories, and how they are understood.
• In 1999, he got a law degree from Lagos State University.
• He also studied journalism at the College of Journalism, University of Maryland, United States, from 1996 to 1997.
• In 2015, he received a certificate in Management and Leadership from the Said Business School at the University of Oxford.
• He recently completed a master's degree in international law and diplomacy studies from the University of Lagos in 2025.

His Career Journey

Reuben Abati has had an interesting career, working in education, journalism, and government.

Starting in Journalism

Mr. Abati first worked as a university teacher. He taught drama and literature at Olabisi Onabajo University in Ogun State, Nigeria.

From 2000 to 2011, he was a member and co-host of a TV discussion show called "Patito's Gang." This show was started by Professor Patrick Utomi. Before working for the government, Reuben Abati was the chairman of the editorial board at The Guardian Newspapers. This meant he led the team that decided what stories and opinions would be published in the newspaper. He also wrote two columns each week for the paper.

Working for the President

In 2011, Reuben Abati was chosen to be the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity for President Goodluck Jonathan. He was also the President's official spokesperson. In this important role, he managed the President's media office. He also handled how the President communicated with the public.

After Government Work

After his time working for the government, Reuben Abati went back to journalism. He continued writing his two columns for The Guardian newspaper. Later, he moved to ThisDay newspaper, where he now writes a weekly column called TuesdayWithReubenAbati. He is also a presenter on Arise News' The Morning Show, where he discusses current events. He also works as a consultant, giving advice on media and public policy.