FG reaffirms commitment to education reform at stakeholders forum

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its commitment to overhauling Nigeria’s education sector, highlighting key reforms and achievements under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).

Speaking at a Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement Forum, Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, outlined six priority areas aimed at transitioning Nigeria from a resource-dependent to a knowledge-based economy.

The NESRI initiative focuses on improving literacy, digitizing educational data, and expanding access to quality learning.

Dr. Alausa cited several milestones, including the establishment of governing councils for 10 new universities, the licensing of 11 private universities, and the launch of digital platforms to enhance quality assurance. He also highlighted the LUMINAH Girls’ Dual Initiative, which aims to empower one million girls across 12 pilot states by 2030, and the expansion of the AGILE project, now covering 29 states.

Expressing concern over the country’s 15 million out-of-school children and 45 million classified as learning-poor, the Minister noted that NESRI has already integrated 25,000 children into formal education and trained 4,000 Tsangaya teachers to foster inclusivity.

Technical and vocational education also featured prominently, with enrolment in health-related courses rising from 28,000 to 115,000 students. Eighteen institutions have been selected for high-impact development, and new partnerships are strengthening TVET and STEM programs nationwide.

The Ministry reported that over 202,000 students have benefited from the Education Data Repositioning Initiative, while 3,198 teachers have received training under a new digital quality assurance program, supported by a revised primary curriculum and an updated teacher development framework.

Aiming to curb bullying, Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, launched the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Schools and inaugurated the Anti-Bullying Committee, urging stronger community involvement in promoting safe and inclusive learning environments.

Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, praised the Ministers’ leadership and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to drive educational transformation.