Alausa Wins Sun Minister of the Year Award, Honours Teachers, Students

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has won the 2026 Sun Minister of the Year Award, dedicating the honour to Nigerian teachers, students and young people.

Alausa received the award at a ceremony held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. He described the recognition as an acknowledgement of the collective efforts to improve education and expand learning opportunities across the country.

In his acceptance speech, the minister thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support and commitment to education reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the administration’s investment in education reflected its determination to strengthen human capital development and secure a better future for Nigerian children.

Alausa also acknowledged the contributions of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, particularly her advocacy for children’s welfare, girls’ education and the protection of vulnerable learners.

He said the Federal Ministry of Education was implementing the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) to widen access to education and improve learning outcomes.

The initiative also seeks to strengthen teaching standards, expand technical and vocational education, and promote the use of reliable data in planning and policy implementation.

According to him, the government’s ambition goes beyond increasing school enrolment. It also wants Nigerian children to receive quality education that prepares them for opportunities in a competitive global economy.

Alausa identified employability and practical skills development as major priorities of the ongoing reforms.

He said the ministry’s philosophy of “Learn to Work, not just Teach to Learn” seeks to connect education with the demands of the labour market.

The minister explained that the government wants graduates to acquire practical knowledge and relevant skills that can help them secure decent and well-paying jobs.

He added that certificates alone should not determine the value of education without the competencies needed to succeed in the workplace.

Alausa reiterated Tinubu’s directive that every Nigerian child should have access to quality education comparable to standards in other parts of the world.

He said the ministry would continue to assess its policies by their impact on classrooms, learning outcomes and the future prospects of students.

The minister described teachers as critical partners in the country’s education transformation, recognising their sacrifices and contributions to raising future generations.

He also dedicated the award to Nigerian children and young people, saying their aspirations remained central to the ministry’s reform agenda.

Alausa expressed appreciation to his family, friends and development partners for their support. He also commended the Board of Editors, management and staff of The Sun Publishing Limited for the recognition.

He acknowledged the newspaper’s coverage of government activities, particularly developments in the education sector and the wider economy.

Describing the award as both an encouragement and a responsibility, the minister pledged to sustain the reform drive and strengthen engagement with stakeholders.

He said the ministry would remain focused on measurable improvements in access to education, learning outcomes and teaching quality.

According to him, the ultimate goal is to prepare Nigerian children for academic achievement, employment, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The recognition comes as the Federal Government continues to position education as a major driver of human capital development, national productivity and inclusive economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.