FG Seeks States’ Collaboration On Advancing Education Policies Reform
BY NGOZI NWANKWO, ABUJA – The Federal Government has expressed its determination to work closely with government at all levels to reform the education system in the country.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who stated the position of the Federal Government at the consultative engagement with Commissioners for Education of the 36 states and the Secretary for Education of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), held in Abuja, said engaging the states was necessary to aligning shared vision for education across all levels of government to drive national development.
Alausa noted that the forum would enable the national and sub-national Governments to align their policies and strategies to better the education of all Nigerians.
While acknowledging that education is the bedrock of the nation’s prosperity, foundation for equity, and a catalyst for innovation, the Minister said that government at all levels must collectively address the pressing challenges facing education in Nigeria while advancing reforms that promote inclusivity, equity, and excellence.
The minister therefore unveiled a six-points initiatives of the federal ministry of education which he said was in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He also said that the Federal Ministry of Education has prioritized six critical pillars to transform our education system.
While explaining that Data Repository, Out-of-School Children Education, Teacher Training, and Skill Development and Acquisition, DOTS initiative of the former Minister of Education, Alausa said that the policies remain intact and embedded in the new initiative, adding that the ministry only stripped out six focal areas out of the DOTS strategy and focus on them.
According to Alausa; “These aligns closely in the short, medium and long term with our Renewed Hope Agenda. These focal areas are encapsulated in our new Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) programme, with the main strategic goal of moving Nigeria from a Resource based to a knowledge-based economy”.
The Minister highlighted the six focus Pillars to include; Promoting STEMM Education; Reducing the Number of Out-of-School Children; Enhancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Advancing Girl-Child Education, Harnessing Data and Digitalization; and strengthening Quality Assurance Mechanisms.
Speaking on the STEMM, the Minister said the initiative is central to equipping students with skills needed for the 21st-century economy.
He further said; “We aim to strengthen STEMM curriculums, expand access to science laboratories, and foster partnerships that bring advanced technologies to schools”.
Commenting on Out-of- school children, Alausa said that with over 10 million out-of-school children in Nigeria, the nation must confront the challenge head-on.
The minister therefore, called on the commissioners and Secretary to prioritize STEMM and TVET at the state level by ensuring sufficient budgetary allocation and innovative partnerships with private-sector stakeholders.
