Oluwatobi Adu 
Education Minister, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has called for sustained investment in education, technical skills and innovation, saying the quality of Nigeria’s human capital will be critical to the country’s future development.
Alausa made the call in an Independence Day message issued on Thursday as Nigeria marked its 66th anniversary.
The minister said education remained central to human capital development, social mobility, innovation and long-term national development.
He said the government and other stakeholders must continue to address gaps in foundational learning, teacher development, technical and vocational education, research and the quality of learning environments. “Much work remains to be done. We must continue to strengthen foundational learning, improve teacher development, expand skills and technical education, promote research and innovation, and provide safe and conducive learning environments where every Nigerian child has the opportunity to learn, develop and fulfil their potential,” he said.
Alausa also called on young Nigerians to prioritise discipline, excellence, creativity and skills development, describing them as active participants in Nigeria’s development rather than only future leaders. “You are not only the leaders of tomorrow; you are important participants in shaping the Nigeria of today,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with state governments, teachers, parents, students and other stakeholders to develop an education system that is accessible, equitable, innovative and responsive to Nigeria’s changing needs.
The minister’s message comes as Nigeria continues to face challenges around learning outcomes, teacher capacity, skills development and access to quality education across different parts of the country.
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Hope Ajayi 