Abuja, January 24, 2026 — The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to building an inclusive, equitable, and future-ready education system that places Nigerian youths at the centre of national transformation.
Speaking at the 2026 International Day of Education celebration in Abuja, themed “The Power of Youth in Co-creating Education,” the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, described education as the foundation of civilisation, peace, and sustainable development, while acknowledging persistent challenges such as limited access, learning poverty, skills gaps, and gender disparities.
Dr. Alausa stated that the Federal Government’s ongoing education reforms are firmly anchored on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises education as a catalyst for economic growth, national renewal, and social development.
According to the Minister, funding for the education sector has improved through increased budgetary allocations, innovative non-budgetary financing models, and strengthened collaboration with international development partners measures designed to support bold and systemic reforms across the sector.
He outlined key interventions under the Ministry’s Education Transformation Roadmap, including curriculum rationalisation to promote critical thinking, creativity, and industry-relevant skills; accelerated digitalisation through smart learning platforms and a national education data system; enhanced teacher capacity for modern pedagogy and artificial intelligence; expansion of technical and vocational education and training (TVET); improved infrastructure; and the introduction of a National Anti-Bullying Policy to ensure safe and inclusive learning environments.
“With over half of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, our greatest asset is our youth,” Dr. Alausa said, stressing the need to transition from traditional, top-down learning models to participatory systems that empower learners as co-creators through innovation hubs, digital fluency, structured feedback mechanisms, and 21st-century skills.
Highlighting measurable progress, the Minister cited the rollout of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewed Initiative (NESRI); nationwide deployment of TVET learners across accredited centres; repositioning TVET as a driver of employment and entrepreneurship; expanded enrolment in medical, STEMM, and nursing programmes; refocused scholarship schemes; introduction of student venture capital and staff support funding; improved education data transparency; accelerated digital learning; and targeted interventions for out-of-school and Almajiri children.
He also noted significant gains in access and inclusion, including the integration of thousands of children into formal and non-formal education, expanded girl-child education through the AGILE Programme and LUMINAH 2030 Initiative, strengthened school safety frameworks, and enhanced quality assurance across basic, secondary, and tertiary education levels.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), Dr. Alausa called on parents, communities, civil society organisations, the media, and the private sector to deepen collaboration with government in establishing innovation hubs, laboratories, and skills centres to prepare young Nigerians for a rapidly evolving global economy.
“By empowering our youth to co-create education, we are not just reforming classrooms; we are securing Nigeria’s future, strengthening national unity, and unlocking the full potential of the next generation,” the Minister stated.
He concluded by commending Nigerian teachers for their dedication and resilience, urging students to actively shape education policy through innovation and engagement, and reaffirming the administration’s commitment to lifelong learning opportunities for all Nigerians.
Happy International Day of Education.
