The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, saying the administration’s reforms and investments in education and human capital will be central to Nigerians’ assessment of the government ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Alausa stated this in Abuja on Wednesday during a visit to the City Boy Movement’s office, where he commended Seyi Tinubu and members of the group for their grassroots mobilisation and engagement with Nigerians across different age groups, ethnic backgrounds and social classes.
The minister described the movement’s activities as a demonstration of collective commitment and volunteerism, saying its strength was in connecting with ordinary Nigerians and encouraging them to participate in national development.
He urged members of the movement to sustain their engagement with communities and effectively communicate the policies and programmes of the Federal Government.
According to Alausa, President Tinubu’s leadership is anchored on a long-term vision that prioritises the future of younger generations, even when achieving such objectives 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,” he said.
The minister identified education as a major pillar of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, citing measures aimed at expanding access to higher education, improving student welfare, strengthening technical and vocational training and equipping young Nigerians with skills required in a changing economy.
He described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a major intervention to reduce financial barriers to higher education, stressing that students should not be denied the opportunity to pursue their academic ambitions because of their families’ financial circumstances.
Alausa also highlighted the administration’s renewed focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), saying more than 250,000 Nigerians were benefiting from skills development programmes across about 1,200 training centres nationwide.
He said the programmes provide practical training in areas including solar photovoltaic installation, fashion and garment production, carpentry, construction-related trades and animal husbandry.
The minister said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by preparing young Nigerians for opportunities in industry, entrepreneurship and other productive sectors.
He stressed that education must go beyond the acquisition of certificates, arguing that learners must acquire practical knowledge and competencies that would enable them to thrive in the world of work.
Alausa further disclosed that the Federal Government was addressing infrastructure and accommodation challenges in tertiary institutions, noting that inadequate student housing remained a major concern in the higher education sector.
He said improved infrastructure was necessary to enhance students’ living and learning conditions, expand access and support the delivery of quality education.
The minister also referenced efforts to expand nursing education and professional training, saying increased production of skilled personnel was critical to strengthening essential sectors and developing Nigeria’s human capital.
According to him, sustained investment in education, vocational training and professional development would create opportunities for young Nigerians and support long-term national prosperity.
Alausa attributed the administration’s reform agenda 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 in the context of their intended long-term benefits, particularly their potential to free resources for education, healthcare, infrastructure and other sectors affecting citizens’ quality of life.
The minister also pointed to opportunities in business-process outsourcing and the development of Nigeria’s service economy, expressing optimism that a better-skilled workforce could attract international businesses and create more employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
He urged members of the City Boy Movement to remain committed to grassroots engagement, promote informed public discussions and help citizens understand government policies and programmes.
Alausa also cautioned against misinformation and divisive rhetoric, urging Nigerians to prioritise national interest and approach discussions about the country’s future with responsibility.
He maintained that the administration’s record in education, skills development and human-capital investment would form an important part of the national conversation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The minister commended Seyi Tinubu and members of the City Boy Movement for their grassroots mobilisation, stressing that active citizenship, patriotism and collective responsibility were essential to sustaining the Renewed Hope Agenda and building a Nigeria with greater opportunities for present and future generations.
