Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earned “a distinction” in the education sector, following verifiable reforms and massive investments in human capital development across the country.
Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Stakeholders’ Forum 2025 held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, Dr. Alausa presented what he described as the “scorecard of a father, a leader, and a president,” applauding the Tinubu administration’s impact in both the education and agricultural sectors.
He said President Tinubu, who laid the foundation of modern governance in Lagos State, has continued the same legacy at the federal level, ensuring transformation through purposeful leadership.
“We have in him a leader who tenaciously believes in improving human life and developing human capital. What he did at the state level, he is now doing at the federal level — ensuring continuity and transformation in governance,” Alausa stated.
According to him, the president’s reforms are driven by data and measurable outcomes, implemented through the Nigeria Educational Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) — a six-point agenda targeting access, quality, and systemic improvement in the education system.
He explained that prior to President Tinubu’s assumption of office, the nation faced worrying statistics — with 52% enrollment rate, 15 million out-of-school children, 27% literacy, and 25% numeracy levels.
“We had a system where over 25 percent of our youth were neither in school, employed, nor in training. The President’s directive was clear: we must tackle this challenge comprehensively,” he said.
Under NESRI, Dr. Alausa noted, the administration’s priorities include:
1. Expansion of technical and vocational education;
2. Strengthening of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medical training;
3. Reduction of out-of-school children;
4. Enhancement of early childhood education;
5. Quality assurance in teaching and learning; and
6. Promotion of data-driven and digitalized education.
Technical and Vocational Education
Dr. Alausa reported that within 24 months, 250,000 Nigerian youths have been enrolled in technical and vocational programs lasting six to twelve months.
“We have shifted focus to trades that matter — solar installation, livestock management, electrical systems, and modern construction. These are the skills that build nations,” he said.
Higher Education Development
The Minister revealed that the government has employed 28,000 new teachers, sponsored 5,000 PhD and 4,000 Master’s students, and invested ₦700 billion in 2025 alone to upgrade hostels, laboratories, lecture theatres, and workshops in tertiary institutions.
He said President Tinubu has also committed ₦1 trillion to sustain the educational transformation.
Student Loan Scheme
Dr. Alausa hailed the success of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a signature achievement of the Tinubu administration.
He announced that over 600,000 students have benefited from the scheme, with ₦107 billion disbursed — ₦46 billion in direct student grants and ₦61 billion to tertiary institutions.
Basic and Foundational Education
The Minister outlined major gains in foundational learning, including:
1 million teachers trained in two years;
₦22 billion disbursed to states;
10,000 schools rehabilitated; and
1 million textbooks distributed nationwide.
He added that 1,000 AI-powered smart boards have been deployed to classrooms to enhance interactive learning, while the national curriculum has been revised to reinstate History and Civic Studies to promote patriotism among young Nigerians.
Girl-Child Education
Highlighting progress in gender inclusion, Dr. Alausa said the administration, with the support of First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has secured an additional $700 million for Girl-Child Education, raising the total to $2.1 billion.
He revealed that ₦2.5 billion was recently distributed to 370,000 female students across the country to improve menstrual hygiene and reduce absenteeism, while 42 new schools for girls are under construction, with 28 already operational.
Tackling Out-of-School Children
Dr. Alausa said the number of out-of-school children has dropped by 3 million within two years through the use of technology and collaboration with private schools.
“We can now track, enroll, and retain these children effectively. The data shows real progress,” he stated.
Funding and Institutional Reforms
The Minister disclosed that for the first time in Nigeria’s history, federal allocation to education has increased consecutively for two years.
He said the Ministry is mobilizing over $1.2 billion in domestic and development funding, with an additional $30 million set aside for emergency education projects.
Alausa also confirmed that the long-abandoned National Library Project is being revived, with the President committing full funding to its completion, alongside a ₦25 billion partnership with sub-national governments to expand library infrastructure.
Tinubu’s Distinction in Education
Concluding his presentation, Dr. Alausa said all major education targets under President Tinubu’s leadership have been achieved or surpassed.
“Every promise made is being fulfilled — and the evidence is in the data,” he said. “If a student scores 8.5 out of 9, that’s 95 percent — a distinction. By every measure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earned a distinction in the education sector.”
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the President, noting that the administration’s performance justifies a renewed mandate.
“The promise has been kept. The results are clear. The future is brighter,” Alausa concluded.
