…as Alausa reforms target 40.1m Nigerian students

By Adeola Badru

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for greater emphasis on practical skills, vocational training and digital literacy in Nigeria’s education system, identifying the reforms being implemented by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, as critical to preparing more than 40.1 million Nigerian students for future employment and the demands of a technology-driven economy.

The association made the call in a statement signed by its President, Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS, in which it commended the minister’s reform initiatives, including the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), curriculum revision and digital transformation.

NANS said the policies were significant to improving students’ learning conditions, promoting skills acquisition and aligning educational programmes with the changing demands of the technological world.

“As the body representing the interests of over 40.1 million Nigerian students, we are largely affected by these pro-student policies and reforms by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa,” the statement said.

The association identified the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, the introduction of a revised curriculum with greater emphasis on practical skills and digital literacy, and the drive towards digital transformation as some of the major initiatives aimed at repositioning the education sector.

“The expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the introduction of a revised curriculum that places greater emphasis on practical skills and digital literacy, and the drive towards digital transformation speak of the numerous giant strides of the Honourable Minister of Education,” NANS stated.

According to the association, the initiatives represent important steps towards building an education system that responds to present-day needs while equipping young Nigerians with the relevant competencies to navigate future challenges.

NANS also acknowledged ongoing efforts by the minister to improve the education sector, strengthen financing and address the challenges confronting education in the country.

“At the level of NANS, we are not oblivious to the ongoing efforts by the Honourable Minister of Education to improve the education sector, strengthen financing and address the challenges confronting education in Nigeria. The Honourable Minister of Education has made a huge difference,” the statement added.

The student body further described Alausa’s approach as a departure from established practices, saying he had recognised the need to challenge longstanding limitations and raise standards in the education sector.

“You have no doubt been exceptional in all your orchestrations and dispositions as the Honourable Minister of Education. You have upped the standard.“

“You have identified the need to change the status quo, challenge long-standing limitations and elevate the standard,” the association said.

NANS, however, urged the minister to sustain the pace of implementation, strengthen engagement with student representatives and relevant government agencies, and ensure that the reforms translate into lasting improvements in the country’s education system.

“We identify with and commend Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa for his giant strides. He is the best. We therefore urge him to sustain the momentum, deepen engagement with student representatives and government agencies, and ensure that these reforms translate into lasting impact,” the statement said.