The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to building an inclusive, equitable and future-ready education system, with Nigerian youths positioned as key partners in shaping learning outcomes and national development.
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, CON, described education as the foundation of civilisation, peace and sustainable development. He acknowledged ongoing challenges confronting the sector, including access gaps, learning poverty, skills mismatches and gender disparities.
Dr. Alausa said the Federal Government’s education reforms are anchored on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises education as a catalyst for economic growth, social transformation and national renewal. According to him, increased budgetary allocations, innovative non-budgetary financing and stronger partnerships with international development partners are providing the resources needed to implement far-reaching reforms.
The Minister outlined major interventions under the Education Transformation Roadmap, including curriculum rationalisation to promote critical thinking, creativity and industry-relevant skills; accelerated digitalisation through smart learning platforms and national education data systems; enhanced teacher capacity in modern pedagogy and artificial intelligence; expanded 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 more than half of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, Dr. Alausa noted that the nation’s greatest asset lies in its youth. He said the Ministry is deliberately shifting from traditional top-down education models to participatory systems that empower learners as co-creators through innovation hubs, digital literacy, feedback mechanisms and skills aligned with 21st-century labour market demands.
Highlighting achievements recorded so far, the Minister cited the rollout of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewed Initiative (NESRI), deployment of TVET learners to accredited centres nationwide, repositioning of TVET as a driver of employment and entrepreneurship, expansion of medical, STEMM and nursing education enrolment, refocused scholarship schemes, 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 progress in access and inclusion through the integration of thousands of children into formal and non-formal education, expanded girl-child education under the AGILE programme and the LUMINAH 2030 Initiative, strengthened school safety frameworks and improved quality assurance across all levels of education.
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 collaborate more closely 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 safeguarding Nigeria’s future, strengthening national unity and unlocking the full potential of the next generation,” he said.
The Minister commended Nigerian teachers for their dedication and resilience, urged students to remain actively engaged in shaping education policy through innovation, and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to lifelong learning opportunities for all Nigerians.
Happy International Day of Education.
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