The Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, has reaffirmed the crucial role of communication in education reform during the Validation Workshop on the Communication Strategy Framework of the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) held on Saturday, 26th July 2025, at the Bolton White Hotel, Abuja.
The event was convened to validate the Ministry’s Communication Strategy Framework developed around the Six Priority Areas of the National Education Sector Reform Implementation (NESRI). The workshop was organised in collaboration with the Partnership for Learning for All in Nigerian Education (PLANE), with technical and financial support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
In her welcome address, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade warmly welcomed participants and stakeholders on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa CON, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad. She expressed deep appreciation to development partners for their consistent support of Nigeria’s education reform initiatives.
Folasade described the workshop as a critical milestone in the Ministry’s effort to institutionalise a robust, inclusive, and globally aligned communication strategy. According to her, “effective communication is not just an operational tool—it is a strategic asset” that is key to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda in the education sector.
She emphasized the role of the Press and Public Relations Department as the Ministry’s main link to the public, media, and stakeholders. She noted that refining the Ministry’s communication framework would ensure that messaging aligns with both national priorities and international standards, ultimately promoting transparency, building public trust, and supporting inclusive learning outcomes.
The workshop brought together communication professionals, directors, civil society organisations, development partners, and stakeholders from across the education sector. Participants were tasked with reviewing and validating the draft framework, which was developed with technical guidance from PLANE.
Delivering a vote of thanks, Professor Ali Idris, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of State for Education, described the workshop as a giant stride in repositioning Nigeria’s education sector. He noted that the gathering had produced several significant “deliverables” that would support documentation, coordination, and strategic visibility of education reform.
Among the notable attendees was Yusha’u Ahmed, PRO of the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna, Dr Mikhail Ibrahim from FCDO, Dr Fabien Benjamin from JAMB along with other communication officers from various education parastatals nationwide. PLANE’s overview presentation of the draft strategy framework was followed by group reflections, technical reviews, and discussions, culminating in the drafting of a communiqué to guide next steps.
In closing, Mrs. Folasade encouraged all stakeholders to see the workshop as an opportunity to co-create a communication pathway that amplifies the Ministry’s vision, enhances public engagement, and drives forward meaningful and inclusive transformation in the education sector.
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