The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, for introducing reforms aimed at improving the quality of education and equipping Nigerian students with skills needed in a technology-driven economy.
The association particularly cited the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the introduction of a revised curriculum focused on practical skills and digital literacy, and efforts to accelerate digital transformation in the education sector.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, NANS described Alausa’s performance as exceptional, saying that the initiatives had the capacitt to make education more practical, relevant and responsive to the changing demands of the labour market.
NAN, which represents more than 40.1 million Nigerian students, said that the reforms had the potential to improve learning conditions, strengthen skills acquisition and prepare young people for emerging opportunities in a competitive economy.
“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.
“As a body, we recognise the significance of initiatives that improve our learning conditions, promote skills acquisition and introduce curricula that respond to the ever-expanding technological world,” the statement read.
NANS further stated that the expansion of technical and vocational education would provide students with opportunities to develop practical competencies, while curriculum reforms and digital initiatives could help them adapt to technological advancements and changing workplace requirements.
The association also acknowledged the minister’s efforts to improve the education sector, strengthen education financing and address challenges affecting the delivery of quality education across the country.
It described the reforms as important steps towards addressing longstanding gaps in the education system, adding that Alausa had demonstrated a willingness to challenge existing practices and introduce policies capable of repositioning the 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,” Afeez said in the statement.
However, the student body urged the minister to sustain the reform momentum and ensure that the policies translated into measurable and lasting improvements for students across the country.
It also called for stronger engagement with student representatives and relevant government agencies to ensure that students’ concerns were considered in policy formulation and implementation.
According to NANS, sustained collaboration among education authorities, government institutions and student organisations would be critical to translating policy decisions into tangible benefits for learners.
“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 added.
