Independent Awards: Nigeria’s Education Minister Alausa named Most Innovative Cabinet Minister

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has been named Most Innovative Cabinet Minister of the Year (2025) at the Silver Jubilee Awards organised by Independent Newspapers Limited in Lagos.

In a statement, Alausa said he received the recognition with humility, describing it not as a personal achievement but as a reflection of the collective work of the Ministry of Education and the government in transforming the sector.

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.

Alausa credited these achievements to a “one-government approach,” emphasizing 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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“There is still much to do — but the direction is clear. And we are moving,” he concluded.

Other honorees at the awards included notable figures from governance, business, and media, among them Aise Television anchor Rufai Oseni, Prince Samuel Adedoyin, Chief Don Obot Etiebet, Atedo Peterside, founder and former Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Bank, and Chief Kessington Adebutu, Chairman of Premier Lotto, for their contributions to national development.

In the governance category, a number of state governors and federal ministers were recognised for their performance and policy impact. Notable nominees included Alex Otti of Abia State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Babagana Zulum of Borno State.

The ceremony, held on Saturday in Lagos, marked the 25th anniversary of Independent Newspapers Limited and celebrated outstanding Nigerians across diverse sectors.