By Adeola Kunle
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, CON, has been recognised as the 2026 “Man of the Year” by the African Cultural Festival (ACF) and presented with the Key to the City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in recognition of his leadership and contributions to education and human capital development.
The honours were conferred on the Minister during the grand finale of the African Cultural Festival in Harrisburg, held under the theme, “The Great Reunion: Culture, Education, and Collaboration.”
The dual recognition provided an opportunity for Dr. Alausa to advocate stronger collaboration between Nigeria and its diaspora community, particularly in education, research, innovation, technology transfer and human capital development.
Receiving the honours, the Minister described the recognition as a reflection of the collective efforts of government officials, education stakeholders and other partners working to transform Nigeria’s education sector.
He dedicated the award to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, officials and stakeholders across the education sector, as well as Nigerian children and young people, whose aspirations, he said, remain central to the country’s education reform agenda.
Dr. Alausa explained that the Federal Government’s education transformation programme covers the entire education value chain, spanning basic and secondary education through technical and vocational education to the tertiary level.
He identified the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, expansion of technical and vocational training, curriculum modernisation, medical education, teacher development and investments in laboratories, simulation centres, hostels and other essential infrastructure as important components of the ongoing reforms.
According to him, these interventions are designed to improve access to education, raise quality and relevance, strengthen skills and enhance the employability of Nigerian graduates and young people.
The Minister also called for greater involvement of Nigerians living abroad in the country’s education and innovation agenda, stressing that the knowledge, expertise, networks and resources available within the diaspora could complement efforts being made at home.
He specifically encouraged diaspora professionals, academics, researchers and institutions to participate in the BRIDGE programme, Bridging Research, Innovation, Development and Global Expertise.
Through the initiative, he said, Nigerians in the diaspora could mentor students and young academics, participate in research, deliver specialised lectures, contribute to curriculum development, establish institutional partnerships and support the transfer of emerging technologies and international best practices to Nigeria.
Dr. Alausa noted that contributing to Nigeria’s development does not necessarily require Nigerians abroad to permanently return home, as meaningful contributions could be made through both physical and virtual engagements.
He said such collaboration captured the essence of the festival’s “Great Reunion”, which seeks to reconnect Africa and its global community through education, culture, innovation and purposeful partnerships.
DuduPlugs Engagement
Speaking about the Minister’s engagement with the DuduPlugs team, Leila Steinberg expressed appreciation to Dr. Alausa for meeting with the team and providing an opportunity for it to present its vision.
Steinberg said the engagement was particularly significant to her because of her longstanding interest in Africa and more than 35 years of work involving young people, emotional literacy, creativity, leadership and access to opportunities.
She explained that DuduPlugs is focused on helping young Africans develop and benefit from their talents, culture, ideas and intellectual property, while also creating stronger connections between Nigerian talent and the global community.
The Chief Executive Officer of DuduPlugs, Wole Adeniyi, also thanked the Minister for participating in the African Cultural Festival.
Adeniyi described the engagement as an important development for cultural diplomacy and educational collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
He disclosed that DuduPlugs would build on the engagement by developing a legacy programme centred on technology transfer, modern innovation and robotics for Nigerians.
According to him, the initiative would involve collaboration with Blake Walker, Leila Steinberg, Femi Ojetunde, Dana Sims and Jody David Armour, among others, in exploring sustainable partnerships within the education sector.
Recognition of Partners
The Minister also acknowledged institutions, public officials and individuals whose support contributed to the success of the festival.
Those recognised included the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and its Speaker, Hon. Joanna McClinton; the City of Harrisburg and Mayor, Hon. Wanda Williams; DuduPlugs and the African Cultural Festival Team led by Wole Adeniyi; Goke Adeniyi; Leila Steinberg; Blake Walker; Femi Ojetunde; Dana Sims; Ms. Phyllis Bennett; Kelly Summerford; Hon. Carol Kazeem of Delaware; and Hon. Segun Adeyina of Georgia.
The engagement further highlighted the potential for Nigerians and institutions outside the country to serve as active partners in the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s education system.
Dr. Alausa maintained that education remains a shared national responsibility requiring contributions from government, educators, industry, communities and the diaspora through knowledge, expertise, innovation and resources.
He reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to reforms aimed at expanding educational opportunities, improving quality and relevance, strengthening skills and preparing Nigerian young people to compete and contribute effectively in an increasingly changing global economy.
The Minister further assured that the Ministry would continue to develop platforms through which Nigerians at home and abroad can participate in national development, while expanding partnerships that connect Nigeria’s education system with global knowledge, innovation, technology and opportunities.
Adeola Kunle
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