Vincent Ndu
ABUJA, Nigeria – Education Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa has pledged to intensify reforms aimed at producing graduates with practical, job-ready skills, as he received the 2026 Sun Minister of the Year Award in Lagos.
Alausa made the commitment on Saturday during the 2026 Sun Awards ceremony at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, where he said Nigeria must move beyond an education system focused mainly on academic qualifications to one that prepares students for employment, entrepreneurship and innovation. He described the recognition as a reflection of the collective efforts of teachers, students and other stakeholders working to improve the country’s education sector.
In his acceptance speech, the minister reiterated his education philosophy, which he described as “Learn to Work, not just Teach to Learn”, stressing the need to equip graduates with practical competencies that match labour-market demands. Alausa identified the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) as a key component of the Federal Government’s broader reform agenda.
According to him, the initiative is designed to improve teaching standards, strengthen vocational and technical education, and expand access to quality learning opportunities. He argued that increasing school enrolment without improving the quality of education would not deliver the transformation Nigeria needs to compete globally.
The minister also emphasised the importance of teachers in achieving the government’s reform objectives, describing them as central to building a functional and competitive education system. He dedicated the award to teachers, students and other stakeholders, acknowledging their contributions to the sector.
Alausa also commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said provides a framework for expanding access to quality education across the country. He added that the recognition would strengthen the ministry’s commitment to building an education system that supports entrepreneurship, innovation and national development.
The minister’s pledge comes amid continuing concerns about graduate employability, skills gaps and the quality of learning outcomes in Nigeria. The impact of the proposed reforms will ultimately depend on their implementation, including improved teacher development, functional technical training facilities and stronger links between education institutions and employers.
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