Aisha Buhari Biography: Age, Parents, Husband, Children, Siblings, Net Worth

Aisha Buhari is a name that resonates across Nigeria and beyond. As the wife of former President Muhammadu Buhari, she served as Nigeria’s First Lady from 2015 to 2023. But her role in Nigerian society extends far beyond her title. She’s a beauty entrepreneur, a philanthropist, an advocate for women and children’s rights, and a symbol of modern African womanhood.

In this article, we explore everything you need to know about Aisha Buhari, her age, background, family, education, professional career, achievements, and net worth. Whether you’re a student, a political enthusiast, or simply curious about notable Nigerian figures, this deep-dive will give you a complete picture of who Aisha Buhari truly is.

Wiki Data Table: Quick Facts about Aisha Buhari

Early Life and Background

Birth and Origin

Aisha Buhari was born on February 17, 1971, in Adamawa State, located in the northeastern region of Nigeria. She hails from a prominent political and royal lineage. Her grandfather, Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu, was Nigeria’s first Minister of Defence during the First Republic.

Growing up in a conservative, yet educated Muslim household, Aisha was instilled with traditional values as well as the importance of education and service qualities that shaped her later achievements.

Parents and Family Heritage

Father: Alhaji Muhammadu Halilu

Aisha’s father, Alhaji Muhammadu Halilu, was a civil engineer and a well-respected community leader. He came from the prestigious Ganye royal family, which is influential in Adamawa State.

Mother: Hajia Hadiza

Her mother, Hajia Hadiza, hailed from the famous Anchau royal family in Kaduna State. Although less is publicly known about her, Aisha often credits her mother as a strong influence on her upbringing.

Educational Background

Aisha Buhari is a firm believer in education and self-development. Her academic journey spans Nigeria and the United Kingdom, with a strong focus on beauty therapy, public administration, and health care.

Primary and Secondary Education

She began her early education in Adamawa and completed her secondary education at Queen’s College, Lagos, a prestigious all-girls school known for academic excellence.

Higher Education

Here’s a quick breakdown of her higher academic qualifications:

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria – Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration

• Carlton Institute of Beauty Therapy, UK – Diploma in Beauty Therapy

• Academy Esthetique Beauty Institute, Dubai – Certificate in French Beauty Techniques

• University of Salford, UK – Postgraduate Diploma in International Affairs and Strategic Studies

💡 Her diverse educational portfolio showcases her multifaceted interests—from governance to health and beauty.

Marriage to Muhammadu Buhari

Love Story and Wedding

Aisha married Muhammadu Buhari in 1989 at the age of 18. Buhari, who would later become Nigeria’s president in 2015, was a retired military general at the time. Despite the age difference between them, Aisha has often spoken of their mutual respect and understanding as the foundation of their marriage.

Role as Nigeria’s First Lady (2015–2023)

As First Lady, Aisha Buhari brought a refreshing and outspoken presence to the position. She:

• Advocated for women’s rights

• Championed child education

• Spoke out against government inefficiencies (even within her husband’s cabinet)

• Founded the Future Assured Initiative, which focused on maternal and child health

Her vocal stance on governance, policy gaps, and corruption earned her both praise and criticism, but it undoubtedly made her one of Nigeria’s most influential First Ladies.

Children

Aisha and Muhammadu Buhari have five children, some of whom are notable public figures themselves.

Names of Their Children:

1. Zahra Buhari-Indimi – Medical microbiologist and philanthropist

2. Halima Buhari – Lawyer

3. Yusuf Buhari – Businessman; studied in the UK

4. Fatima Buhari – Private life

5. Amina Buhari – Least publicly known

Zahra and Yusuf are particularly known in the media, with Zahra often representing the family in charitable engagements.

Siblings

Aisha Buhari comes from a relatively private family, and not much is in the public domain about her siblings. However, sources confirm she grew up in a household of several siblings, all of whom were raised with similar emphasis on Islamic principles, modesty, and education.

Career: From Entrepreneur to Advocate

Beauty and Wellness Industry

Before becoming First Lady, Aisha Buhari was already a successful entrepreneur. She founded a spa and beauty therapy center in Kaduna, called Hanzy Spa and Hanzy Beauty Institute, where she trained many young Nigerian women.

She is also the author of the book:

“Essentials of Beauty Therapy: A Complete Guide for Beauty Specialists”
This book is widely used in beauty schools in Nigeria and across West Africa.

Health and Humanitarian Advocacy

Her NGO, Future Assured Initiative, focuses on:

• Maternal and Child Health

• Malnutrition Prevention

• Women Empowerment

• Educational Support for the Girl Child

The initiative collaborated with international organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF to improve health outcomes in underserved areas of Nigeria.

Net Worth

Estimated Net Worth: $10 million – $20 million USD

While Aisha Buhari has never publicly declared her full net worth, credible estimates suggest it lies between $10 million and $20 million.

Income Sources:

• Business ventures in beauty and wellness

• Royalties from her book

• Honorary appearances and brand representation

• Investments in education and healthcare programs

Though linked to political power, Aisha Buhari’s wealth is largely attributed to her independent business success and international partnerships through her NGO.

Awards and Recognitions

Here are a few honors and recognitions attributed to Aisha Buhari:

• Award of Excellence – Nigerian Women in Politics, 2016

• Global Humanitarian Award – African Women Leadership Organization

• UN Women Special Recognition – For girl-child advocacy

• Honorary Doctorate – Sun Moon University, South Korea (2020)

🏅 Her global presence has established her as a beacon for African women in leadership.

Publications and Media Features

Apart from her best-selling book, Aisha has been featured in:

• Forbes Woman Africa

• BBC 100 Women List

• Guardian Woman Series

• Numerous panel discussions on gender inclusion and African development

Aisha Buhari at a Glance

• 📌 Born into royalty in Adamawa State

• 🎓 Well-educated in Nigeria, UK, and Dubai

• 💄 Successful beauty entrepreneur

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Married to former President Muhammadu Buhari with 5 children

• 🌍 Global advocate for women and child welfare

• 💰 Net worth between $10M–$20M

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q’s)

1. How old is Aisha Buhari now?

As of 2025, Aisha Buhari is 54 years old.

2. Who is Aisha Buhari’s husband?

She is married to Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former President (2015–2023).

3. How many children does Aisha Buhari have?

She has five children: Zahra, Halima, Yusuf, Fatima, and Amina.

4. What is Aisha Buhari known for?

She is known for her role as Nigeria’s First Lady, her activism, her work in beauty therapy, and the Future Assured Initiative.

5. What is her estimated net worth?

Her net worth is estimated to be between $10 million and $20 million.

6. Where did she go to school?

She studied at Ahmadu Bello University, Carlton Institute (UK), and the University of Salford.

7. Is Aisha Buhari still active in public life?

Yes, she continues to support advocacy efforts and humanitarian causes, even after her tenure as First Lady.

Conclusion

Aisha Buhari is more than just the wife of a former Nigerian president. She is an empowered woman who carved her own path through education, entrepreneurship, and activism. From her beauty empire to humanitarian campaigns, Aisha continues to influence lives across Nigeria and the African continent.

Her biography is a testimony to the potential of African women who combine tradition with progress, voice with action, and elegance with impact.

📢 Whether you’re researching for academic purposes or simply inspired by influential women, Aisha Buhari’s journey offers lessons in courage, advocacy, and empowerment.