Nigeria calls for stronger Commonwealth collaboration in education

By Kunle Sanni

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening educational collaboration within the Commonwealth, with the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, emphasizing the transformative role of education in national and global development.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Day commemoration at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja, Dr. Alausa highlighted the 2025 theme, “Together We Thrive,” as a call to action for collective progress in education. He underscored the benefits Nigeria enjoys as a Commonwealth member, including access to scholarships, global trade networks, and leadership opportunities through the Commonwealth Youth Council.

“Young people, particularly those aged 15-29, must seize these opportunities to excel in politics, entrepreneurship, and other key sectors,” Dr. Alausa stated.

In recognition of outstanding academic achievements, Dr. Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, presented awards to students who excelled in Commonwealth competitions. The gesture, he noted, aims to encourage academic excellence and leadership among Nigerian youth.

The Minister also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) to expand open distance learning, blended education models, and vocational training.

He emphasized that COL’s initiatives are playing a crucial role in addressing the country’s out-of-school children crisis, particularly in vulnerable regions.

“Thriving together requires a bold vision and a willingness to challenge the status quo,” Dr. Alausa said, stressing the importance of digital tools in tackling global challenges such as climate change, health crises, and economic inequalities. He reiterated that education remains the most powerful tool for equipping citizens with the skills needed for sustainable development.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Sarah Anyanwu of the University of Abuja called for increased investment in education, emphasizing its role as the foundation of economic growth. “Education fosters prosperous, equitable, and resilient societies,” she stated.