Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Education Minister, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa
ABUJA, Nigeria — Education will be the driving force behind Nigeria’s ambition to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030, Minister of Education Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa has said, outlining reforms aimed at producing a globally competitive workforce.
Speaking during an interview over the weekend, Alausa said the Federal Government is expanding access to quality education, strengthening skills development and reforming tertiary institutions to equip young Nigerians for opportunities at home and abroad. He said the strategy aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda by investing in human capital.
The minister disclosed that annual admissions into nursing schools have increased from about 20,000 to 50,000 under the current administration, while enrollment in medicine, pharmacy and dentistry has also expanded to address shortages in the healthcare workforce.
Alausa also said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was designed on a sustainable financing model to ensure students continue to benefit beyond the current administration. He added that improved engagement with university unions, payment of part of previously withheld salaries and a nearly 40 per cent salary increase for tertiary institution workers have contributed to greater industrial stability.
The minister noted that the number of Nigerian universities featured in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings has risen from 21 to 24, saying the government will continue implementing reforms to strengthen education, develop human capital and support long-term economic growth.
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