Dr. Morufu Alausa appointed Nigeria’s new minister of education

Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, the former Minister of State for Health, has been appointed as Nigeria’s new Minister of Education following a cabinet reshuffle directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The announcement was made on Wednesday as part of a strategy to strengthen key sectors of the government.

Dr. Alausa, a medical doctor specialising in nephrology, studied Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos, graduating in 1993, and later completed his residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, where he served as Chief Medical Resident.

He is expected to bring his wealth of experience in public service and administration to address the pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector.

His appointment comes at a time when the country’s education system is grappling with funding shortages, frequent strikes, and the need for curriculum reforms.

Dr. Alausa’s previous work in the health sector, where he spearheaded initiatives to improve healthcare delivery, has raised expectations for his leadership in the education ministry.

Education stakeholders are optimistic about the new appointment. “I hope that he will prioritise reforms aimed at improving the quality of education, ensuring access for all, and tackling infrastructural deficits in schools across Nigeria,” said Adewale Lawal, an education analyst.

“His transition into the education ministry is seen as a strategic move to leverage his administrative skills in revitalizing the sector” Festus Gbenga added

The appointment of Dr. Alausa follows the removal of Prof. Tahir Mamman, who served as Minister of Education. Prof. Mamman’s tenure was marked by controversy, particularly concerning the introduction of an 18-year age limit for university admission seekers.

“With a new curriculum for basic education set to be implemented in January 2025, it remains unclear whether this will proceed as planned under Dr. Alausa’s leadership”