Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has been spearheading a transformative agenda in Nigeria’s education sector, introducing initiatives aimed at improving quality, accessibility, and relevance. From the 12-Year Basic Education Model to the revised national curriculum, the minister’s efforts are geared towards equipping Nigerian students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
In spite of these efforts, critics are unrelenting, questioning the government’s decision to discontinue bilateral scholarships abroad and alleging that the minister is abandoning students. The Arewa Defence League has accused the Federal Government of playing politics with the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Programme, while others argue that the decision is a betrayal of the students who were promised support.
However, Chief of Staff to the Minister, Sunmaila Adiatu, has robustly defended his principal, revealing that the controversy surrounding the Morocco scholarships is largely a case of emotional blackmail. According to Adiatu, the scholarships in question are bilateral, meaning they are awarded and funded by foreign governments, not the Nigerian government. The $500 stipend provided by the federal government was a gesture of support, calculated in naira at a time when the exchange rate was more favorable. However, the implementation of this support has been marred by irregularities, with some beneficiaries allegedly collecting funds without attending school or even residing in Nigeria.
Adiatu disclosed that about 25% of the beneficiaries are currently in Nigeria, collecting stipends without being in school, while others are not even using the funds for their intended purpose. He emphasized that the government’s decision to discontinue the bilateral scholarships is a necessary step to address these abuses and ensure that resources are allocated more effectively.
While critics continue to voice their concerns, admirers of the minister believe that the big revolution in the education sector is worth celebrating. The initiatives introduced by Minister Alausa are aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s education system, including inadequate infrastructure, poor teacher training, and disparities in access.
The 12-Year Basic Education Model is a key initiative aimed at providing uninterrupted learning up to age 16. The model focuses on literacy, numeracy, digital skills, and vocational training, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. The model is designed to address the high dropout rate in Nigerian schools and ensure that students acquire the necessary skills to pursue higher education or vocational training.
The model is structured to provide a comprehensive education, with a focus on practical skills development. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in areas such as digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and vocational training, making them more employable and entrepreneurial. The government plans to implement the model nationwide, with a focus on marginalized communities and rural areas.
The revised national curriculum prioritizes digital literacy, entrepreneurship, vocational training, and STEM education. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world, with a focus on practical skills development and innovation. The curriculum review is aimed at addressing the mismatch between the skills acquired by graduates and the needs of the job market.
The revised curriculum introduces new subjects such as coding, robotics, and entrepreneurship, and emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and vocational training. The government plans to train teachers and provide resources to support the implementation of the revised curriculum.
The TVET program offers free tuition, accommodation, and feeding for students in technical colleges, plus a ₦22,500 monthly stipend. The program is designed to equip students with practical skills in areas such as engineering, construction, and agriculture, making them more employable and entrepreneurial. The program is aimed at addressing the shortage of skilled workers in Nigeria and promoting economic growth.
The government plans to establish more technical colleges and expand existing ones to increase access to TVET programs. The program is also designed to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, with students encouraged to develop their own businesses and projects.
The National Research-to-Commercialisation Policy is aimed at bridging the gap between academic research and market-ready products. The policy is designed to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, with a focus on commercializing research outputs. The government plans to establish research centers and provide funding for research projects that have commercial potential.
The policy is aimed at promoting collaboration between academia and industry, with a focus on developing solutions to real-world problems. The government plans to provide incentives for researchers and entrepreneurs who develop innovative products and services.
The Student Venture Capital Grant initiative provides ₦50 million in funding for student-led startups and research ventures. The initiative is designed to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among students, with a focus on developing solutions to real-world problems. The government plans to provide mentorship and support to students who receive funding, with a focus on developing their businesses and projects.
The initiative is aimed at promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students, with a focus on creating jobs and promoting economic growth. The government plans to expand the initiative to more universities and colleges, with a focus on increasing access to funding and support for students.
The digitalization of education is a key initiative aimed at improving education quality and increasing access. The government plans to deploy digital learning buses to schools, providing students with access to digital resources and technology. The government also plans to train teachers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital skills, with a focus on integrating technology into teaching and learning.
The digitalization of education is aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, with a focus on developing solutions to real-world problems. The government plans to establish digital centers and provide resources to support the implementation of digital learning initiatives.
While challenges remain, the government’s commitment to education reform is a step in the right direction, and admirers of the minister believe that the results will be worth the effort .
