Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has received the 2026 Sun Minister of the Year Award, dedicating the recognition to Nigerian teachers, students and young people while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the nation’s education sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister received the prestigious award at the 2026 Sun Awards ceremony held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where he described the honour as a recognition of the collective efforts of the Federal Ministry of Education, its agencies, teachers, institutional leaders and development partners working to improve the quality of education and expand opportunities for Nigerian learners.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Alausa expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his confidence, support and decisive leadership, noting that the President’s recognition of education as a critical foundation for human capital development has provided the impetus for pursuing far-reaching reforms in the sector.
He described the award as a reflection of the President’s vision and determination to secure a better future for Nigerian children and young people, stressing that the Renewed Hope Agenda is committed to building an education system that delivers quality learning, relevant skills and sustainable opportunities for all.
The Minister also acknowledged the contributions of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, particularly her consistent advocacy for education, children’s welfare and the protection of girls whose circumstances threaten their access to and continued participation in education.
Highlighting the administration’s reform priorities, Dr. Alausa said the Federal Ministry of Education is advancing the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which is designed to expand access to education, improve teaching and learning, strengthen technical and vocational skills, and promote the use of reliable data for effective planning and policy implementation.
In a statement by the Special Adviser Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, at the weekend, the Minister
emphasised that the Federal Government’s ambition goes beyond getting children into classrooms. It is equally focused on ensuring that every Nigerian child receives an education that meets the highest international standards and equips them with the competencies to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.
Central to this vision is the Ministry’s commitment to repositioning education towards employability, productivity and economic relevance through its philosophy of “Learn to Work, not just Teach to Learn.”
According to the Minister, the objective is to ensure that young Nigerians graduate with practical knowledge, relevant skills and the capacity to secure decent, quality and high-paying jobs, rather than leaving school with certificates that do not adequately prepare them for the realities of the labour market.
He reiterated President Tinubu’s clear charge that every Nigerian child must have access to the highest quality of education, comparable to what is obtainable anywhere in the world.
Dr. Alausa stressed that this commitment would continue to guide the Ministry’s policies and programmes, adding that the ultimate measure of educational reform must be the positive difference it makes in classrooms and in the lives, opportunities and future of Nigerian learners.
In a heartfelt dedication, the Minister described Nigerian teachers as indispensable partners in the country’s educational transformation, recognising their daily sacrifices and commitment to shaping the next generation. He also dedicated the award to the children and young people whose hopes and aspirations remain the driving force behind the Ministry’s work.
He expressed gratitude to his family for their love and sacrifices, friends who travelled from far and near to celebrate with him, and partners across government, industry and civil society for their continued support.
The Minister also commended the Board of Editors, Management and Staff of The Sun Publishing Limited for the recognition, acknowledging the organisation’s sustained and objective coverage of government activities, particularly its attention to developments in the education sector and other areas of the economy.
Describing the award as both an encouragement and a greater responsibility, Dr. Alausa assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Education would sustain the momentum of reforms, strengthen collaboration with stakeholders and remain focused on delivering measurable improvements in access, learning outcomes and the overall quality of education.
He noted that the recognition would further inspire the Ministry to remain diligent, responsive and accountable in its pursuit of an education system that prepares Nigerian children not only for academic success but also for meaningful employment, innovation, entrepreneurship and national development.
The award comes as the Federal Government continues to pursue its Renewed Hope commitment to human capital development, with education positioned as a strategic driver of national productivity, inclusive growth and a prosperous future for all Nigerians.
