The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, declaring that his administration’s reform agenda and investments in education and human capital will remain central to public assessment ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Alausa stated this in Abuja during a visit to the City Boy Movement’s office, where he commended Seyi Tinubu and members of the movement for their grassroots mobilisation and engagement with Nigerians across different age groups, ethnic backgrounds and social classes.
The Minister described the movement’s outreach as a demonstration of collective commitment and volunteerism, noting that its strength lies in connecting with ordinary Nigerians and encouraging participation in the country’s development.
He emphasised that the achievements of the movement were the product of collective effort, urging its members to sustain their engagement with communities and communicate the administration’s policies and programmes effectively.
According to Dr Alausa, President Tinubu’s leadership is anchored in a long-term vision that prioritises the future of younger generations, even when achieving that vision requires difficult policy decisions.
“President Tinubu makes promises he intends to fulfil. His decisions are not just about today; they are about the future of our children and grandchildren,” the Minister said.
Dr Alausa identified education as a central pillar of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting measures taken by the administration to expand access to higher education, improve student welfare, strengthen technical and vocational training, and equip young Nigerians with skills relevant to the changing demands of the economy.
He cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a major intervention designed to reduce financial barriers to higher education, explaining that students should not be denied opportunities to pursue their academic ambitions simply because their families lack the financial means.
The Minister noted that the student loan initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to widening access to education and ensuring that financial circumstances do not automatically determine a young person’s prospects for academic advancement.
He also highlighted the administration’s renewed emphasis on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), disclosing that more than 250,000 Nigerians were benefiting from skills development programmes across approximately 1,200 training centres nationwide, according to figures cited in his address.
The programmes, he explained, are designed to equip beneficiaries with practical competencies in areas including solar photovoltaic installation, fashion and garment production, carpentry, construction-related trades, animal husbandry and other technical fields.
Dr Alausa said the initiative represents a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between education and employment by preparing young people for opportunities in industry, entrepreneurship and other productive sectors.
He maintained that developing a skilled workforce is essential to Nigeria’s economic transformation, stressing that education must go beyond the acquisition of certificates to provide learners with the practical knowledge and competencies needed to thrive in the world of work.
The Minister further highlighted ongoing efforts to address infrastructure and accommodation challenges in tertiary institutions, noting that inadequate student housing has remained a major concern across the higher education system.
He said expanding infrastructure in educational institutions is necessary to improve students’ living and learning conditions, strengthen access and support the broader objective of delivering quality education.
Dr Alausa also referenced efforts to expand nursing education and professional training, explaining that increasing the supply of skilled personnel is important to strengthening critical sectors and developing the country’s human capital.
According to him, investments in education, vocational training and professional development must be sustained to create opportunities for young Nigerians and support long-term national prosperity.
The Minister attributed the administration’s reform direction to President Tinubu’s determination to address longstanding structural challenges and create greater fiscal space for investment in essential public services.
He argued that difficult economic decisions should be considered alongside their intended long-term benefits, particularly the opportunities to channel resources towards education, healthcare, infrastructure and other priorities that directly affect citizens’ quality of life.
He also pointed to emerging opportunities in business-process outsourcing and the development of Nigeria’s service economy, expressing optimism that a better-skilled workforce could help attract more international business and create employment for young people.
Dr Alausa stressed that sustaining the administration’s development agenda would require consistency, effective implementation and continued investment in the country’s people.
He urged members of the City Boy Movement to remain committed to constructive grassroots engagement, encourage informed public discussions and help Nigerians understand the policies and programmes being implemented by the Federal Government.
The Minister cautioned against misinformation and divisive rhetoric, calling on citizens to prioritise national interest and engage in discussions about the country’s future with a sense of responsibility.
He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, maintaining that the administration’s record in education, skills development and human-capital investment should form an important part of the national conversation ahead of 2027.
Dr Alausa reaffirmed his commendation of Seyi Tinubu and members of the City Boy Movement for their commitment to grassroots mobilisation, stressing that active citizenship, patriotism and collective responsibility remain essential to sustaining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and building a Nigeria that offers greater opportunities for present and future generations.
