...Minister Says Lasting Education Reforms Are Preparing Nigeria’s Future Workforce
...Commends President Tinubu for Restoring Stability in Tertiary Institutions
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has reiterated that the education sector will play a central role in achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambition of building a $1 trillion Nigerian economy by 2030, noting that ongoing investments in education, skills development and higher education reforms are positioning the country for sustainable economic growth.
Speaking during a weekend interview, Dr. Alausa explained that the Federal Government is implementing reforms aimed at producing a highly skilled and globally competitive workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s economic development while also meeting labour demands across Africa and other parts of the world.
He stated that the administration is harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s large youth population by expanding access to quality education and providing young people with the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive global environment.
According to the Minister, the government’s vision is to make Nigeria a leading supplier of skilled professionals worldwide.
“We want to be the manpower supplier of the world. We need to produce competent, skilled and educated young Nigerians who will drive our economy, contribute to Africa’s growth and compete successfully across the world,” Dr. Alausa said.
The Minister revealed that one of the government’s major achievements has been the significant expansion of admissions into health-related courses to address shortages of critical healthcare professionals.
He disclosed that annual admissions into nursing institutions have increased from about 20,000 students before the current administration took office to nearly 50,000 students, while enrolment into medicine, pharmacy and dentistry programmes has also risen considerably.
Dr. Alausa expressed optimism that these initiatives would substantially reduce the shortage of healthcare workers within the next few years as more qualified graduates join the workforce.
He credited the progress to President Tinubu’s commitment to education, describing it as a key pillar of the administration’s strategy for economic transformation.
“As the President advances his vision of building a one trillion-dollar economy, education will remain at the centre of that transformation,” he said.
The Minister also assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has been established on a sustainable financing framework that will continue to support students for many years.
He explained that President Tinubu has consistently directed ministers and heads of government agencies to ensure that every reform introduced by the administration is designed to remain effective long after the current government leaves office.
“There is no value in introducing policies that cannot stand the test of time. Sustainability is central to this administration's philosophy, and that principle guided the design of NELFUND,” he stated.
Addressing industrial relations in tertiary institutions, Dr. Alausa praised President Tinubu’s leadership for promoting dialogue, trust and mutual understanding between the Federal Government and academic as well as non-academic unions.
He noted that negotiations have been conducted with sincerity while ensuring that agreements reached are practical, affordable and capable of being fully implemented.
The Minister recalled that shortly after assuming office, President Tinubu fulfilled his promise by approving the payment of 50 per cent of the withheld salaries inherited from previous disputes, a decision he said restored confidence between the government and university unions.
He added that the administration also approved an almost 40 per cent salary increase for workers in tertiary institutions to improve staff welfare while maintaining fiscal discipline.
According to Dr. Alausa, the prevailing industrial harmony is already yielding positive outcomes across the higher education sector.
He cited the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, which showed that the number of Nigerian universities recognised globally increased from 21 to 24, with public universities once again occupying the leading positions nationally after many years.
The Minister described the improved rankings as clear evidence that the Federal Government’s education reforms are producing measurable results and strengthening the global competitiveness of Nigerian universities.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Education to implementing policies that will broaden access to quality education, strengthen human capital development and equip Nigerian youths with the skills needed to compete successfully in the global economy.
He maintained that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, education will continue to serve as the foundation for sustainable economic growth, national development and shared prosperity, assuring Nigerians that the Ministry remains committed to reforms that will unlock the full potential of the nation’s greatest resource—its people.
DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS reports that the Federal Government believes sustained investment in education and human capital development remains essential to achieving long-term economic growth and national prosperity.
Adeola Kunle
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