By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
Committed to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, hosted the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, led by Senator Muntari Dandutse, for an oversight visit focused on advancing initiatives across tertiary institutions.
The aim of the session is geared towards accessing ongoing programs and develop strategic solutions to tackle key challenges, from curriculum enhancements to the allocation of critical infrastructure funding.
Dr. Alausa underscored the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s educational foundation in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision.
He highlighted the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as priority areas critical to building a skilled workforce capable of driving Nigeria’s economic transformation.
According to him, “Our nation’s youths are our greatest asset,” even as he emphasized that by equipping students with skills in STEM and medical sciences, “we are creating a generation ready to compete and lead on a global scale.”
Re-echoing the Ministry’s commitment to accountability, Dr. Alausa addressed the committee’s questions on resource utilization.
He reported that 137 schools are already equipped with physical infrastructure and teachers, but additional funding is essential to ensure they operate at full capacity.
“With sufficient budget allocations, our commission will oversee these schools to meet the highest standards of education,” he assured.
Reflecting on curriculum development, Dr. Alausa reassured the committee of the Ministry’s commitment to a balanced educational approach. “Our curriculum aims to shape well-rounded citizens who understand both their heritage and their role in society,” he said.
He affirmed that the National Policy on Education, a foundational document first created in 1977 and last updated in 2013, continues to guide this mission. “Our priority now is not to draft new policies but to fully implement the robust framework we have in place,” Dr. Alausa explained.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the Senate Committee for its guidance and pledged that the Ministry would work diligently to address the committee’s recommendations.
The Minister and the Committee agreed that with focused investment, stronger global collaborations, and efficient resource management, Nigeria is well-positioned to achieve a resilient and progressive education system that meets the demands of a modern world.
Speaking earlier, Senator Muntari Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee, acknowledged the importance of this collaborative approach, noting that the committee’s role extends beyond oversight to include advocacy for stronger global partnerships.
“We are actively engaging with international allies, including South Korea, Germany, and UNESCO, to explore technical and scientific collaborations that would benefit Nigeria’s education system,” he stated.
Senator Dandutse also raised concerns over operational challenges, particularly the financial burdens universities face due to high electricity costs. He urged the Ministry to prioritize sustainable power solutions to ensure uninterrupted access to learning facilities.
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