On the 2026 International Day of Education, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive, equitable, and future-ready education system, positioning Nigerian youths as active partners and co-creators in shaping the nation’s learning landscape.
Speaking at the Abuja celebration themed “The Power of Youth in Co-creating Education,” the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, described education as the bedrock of civilisation, peace, and sustainable development. He acknowledged persistent challenges such as learning poverty, access gaps, skills mismatches, and gender disparities that continue to affect education outcomes nationwide.
Dr. Alausa highlighted that ongoing reforms are anchored in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places education at the centre of national renewal, economic growth, and social transformation. He said the government has improved funding through higher budget allocations, innovative financing, and strengthened partnerships with development agencies to implement bold systemic reforms.
The Minister outlined key interventions under the Education Transformation Roadmap, including curriculum rationalisation to emphasise critical thinking, creativity, and industry-relevant skills; accelerated digitalisation via smart learning platforms; strengthened teacher capacity with modern pedagogy and artificial intelligence integration; expanded technical and vocational education; enhanced infrastructure; and the introduction of a National Anti-Bullying Policy to guarantee safe and inclusive learning environments.
“With over half of Nigeria’s population under 30, our greatest strength lies in our youth,” Dr. Alausa said. “We are transitioning from traditional top-down education models to participatory systems that empower learners through innovation hubs, digital fluency, feedback mechanisms, and skills aligned with the demands of the 21st-century economy.”
The Minister also cited measurable achievements, including the rollout of the Nigerian Education Sector Renewed Initiative (NESRI); expanded TVET, medical, STEM, and nursing enrolment; strengthened scholarship opportunities; enhanced digital learning; and targeted interventions for out-of-school children, Almajiri learners, and girl-child education through the AGILE and LUMINAH 2030 programmes. He called on parents, communities, civil society, the media, and the private sector to collaborate in establishing innovation hubs, laboratories, and skills centres to prepare young Nigerians for the global economy.
Dr. Alausa concluded by commending teachers for their dedication, urging students to actively shape education through engagement and innovation, and reiterating the administration’s commitment to lifelong learning opportunities for all Nigerians.
“By empowering our youth to co-create education, we are not merely reforming classrooms; we are safeguarding Nigeria’s future, strengthening national unity, and unlocking the full potential of the next generation,” the Minister emphasised.
The 2026 International Day of Education marks a renewed focus on youth-led, skills-driven learning, digital fluency, and inclusive growth, reinforcing Nigeria’s pledge to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and the preparation of the next generation for global competitiveness.
