Olukemi Adeosun, also known as Kemi Adeosun, is a British-born Nigerian finance expert and former public servant, most recognized for her role as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance from 2015 to 2018. She has since shifted her efforts toward philanthropy via the Dash Me Foundation and similar projects.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Olukemi Adeosun |
| Date of birth | 9 March 1967 |
| Place of birth | London, England |
| Nationality | British-Nigerian |
| State of origin | Ogun State |
| Partner | Niyi Adeosun |
| Children | Has children (reportedly three adult children) |
| Occupations | Chartered accountant, finance professional, former Finance Commissioner, former Minister of Finance, philanthropist |
| Net worth | Estimated $4M – $10M USD |
Early Life and Education
Kemi Adeosun was born on March 9, 1967, in London, England, to Nigerian parents hailing from Ogun State. She holds dual British-Nigerian heritage.
She earned a degree in Economics from the University of East London, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Financial Management from the University of London. In 1994, she became a chartered accountant through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Career
Adeosun started her professional journey in London in 1989 as an accounting assistant at British Telecom, advancing through audit and control positions at firms like Goodman Jones, London Underground, Prism Consulting, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
In 2002, she transitioned to senior financial roles in Nigeria with organizations such as Chapel Hill Denham and Quo Vadis Partnership.
From 2011 to 2015, she served as Ogun State’s Commissioner of Finance. In November 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed her as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, where she drove fiscal reforms, tax policies, the 22-Point Fiscal Reform Action Plan, and the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme.
She stepped down in September 2018 amid the NYSC certificate controversy.
Personal Life
Kemi Adeosun is married to Niyi Adeosun, and the couple has children.
Post-government, she maintained a lower profile while advancing her Dash Me Foundation, aimed at aiding vulnerable communities and charitable efforts.
Controversy
The primary controversy surrounding Adeosun stemmed from allegations that her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate was forged.
In 2018, media investigations revealed she obtained an exemption certificate claiming she was over the age limit for service, but the certificate bore irregularities in date and format. She resigned to protect the integrity of her office, stating she had acted on professional advice and believed it was legitimate at the time.
Net Worth
Various biographical sources estimate Kemi Adeosun’s net worth at around $4 million to $10 million USD as of recent years, derived from her finance career, consulting roles, and philanthropic ventures.
Awards and Recognition
In 2018, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) presented her with a Merit Award for advancing accountability, integrity, economic reform, and nation-building during her ministerial tenure.
She also received acknowledgments in global tax and finance rankings for her policy contributions.
