Education minister Alausa deepens UK partnerships for sector reform

Education

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has intensified efforts to strengthen partnerships with world‑class organisations to build more resilient education systems across the country.

On Tuesday, the Minister met with a delegation from the United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade, which included leaders from Bedford School, Harrow International School, King’s Canterbury, and Dragon International School, Oxford. The meeting continued discussions that began during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to the UK, where several agreements were signed covering port revitalisation, education, and other strategic sectors.

Dr Alausa explained that the focal point of the partnership discussions centred on strengthening school systems, improving teacher education, advancing curriculum and assessment reforms, and developing skills pathways aligned with labour‑market needs and national development priorities. Both sides also explored practical avenues for technical cooperation and capacity building to ensure young Nigerians are equipped with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Highlighting the long‑standing educational ties between Nigeria and the UK, the Minister said: “We look forward to deepening this collaboration for the benefit of our schools, teachers, and students.”

Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that Dr Alausa was named Most Innovative Cabinet Minister of the Year (2025) at the Silver Jubilee Awards organised by Independent Newspapers Limited in Lagos on Saturday. He highlighted several initiatives under his leadership, including strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), advancing STEMM education, supporting student innovators through the Student Venture Capital Grant, establishing the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI), expanding the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), and reaching a landmark agreement with ASUU to stabilise universities.

Dr Alausa credited these achievements to a “one‑government approach,” emphasising collaboration with other ministries, federal agencies, and subnational governments. He said the reforms form part of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.