Kabiru Haruna
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, represented by Mrs. Khadija Liman, Director of Education Management & Program Coordinator, SDG, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring access to quality education in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual National Summit for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), International Development Partners (IDPs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), and Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) Intervening in the Education Sector, he described education as a catalyst for societal and economic transformation.
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The Minister of Education, in his speech, underscored the necessity of bridging policy and practice to drive meaningful educational reforms.
He stressed that while policies provide the framework for educational transformation, effective implementation requires the active participation of NGOs, development partners, and community-based organizations.
He highlighted the government’s ongoing reforms, including curriculum modernization, digital learning initiatives, and teacher capacity development, urging NGOs to align their interventions with these national priorities for maximum impact.
Dr. Alausa further emphasized the importance of inclusivity in education, calling for targeted interventions to address the needs of marginalized communities, out-of-school children, and students with disabilities.
He recognized the significant contributions of NGOs in this regard and encouraged them to adopt innovative approaches in tackling systemic challenges.
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The minister also pointed out that transparency and accountability in NGO-driven projects are crucial to ensuring long-term sustainability and donor confidence, adding that the Federal Ministry of Education remains committed to providing the necessary policy support and coordination mechanisms.
Concluding his remarks, the Minister reiterated the government’s openness to fostering stronger partnerships with NGOs and other stakeholders to create a resilient education system.
He encouraged collaboration in research, data collection, and policy advocacy to ensure evidence-based decision-making.
He also assured attendees that the ministry would continue to engage with non-state actors in shaping policies that reflect the realities of Nigeria’s diverse educational landscape.
The speech set the tone for the summit’s deliberations, reinforcing the shared responsibility of government and civil society in achieving the nation’s educational aspirations.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nasiru Sani Gwarzo, represented by Abdullahi Hussein, Director of the Safety Unit, commended NGOs for their unwavering dedication to improving education.
He emphasized that collaboration is essential for achieving excellence in the sector, noting that NGOs have played a crucial role in bridging educational gaps through school infrastructure development, teacher training, curriculum enhancement, student welfare programs, and advocacy efforts.
He urged NGOs and development partners to focus on practical and actionable solutions that align with national education goals.
Delivering his welcome address, the Director of Special Duties, Mohammed Malami Garba, highlighted the profound impact of NGO partnerships in Nigeria’s education sector.
He acknowledged the challenges faced, including resource constraints, policy implementation gaps, and the need for capacity building, and called for open dialogue and collective strategy development to overcome these obstacles.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s resolve to engage constructively with stakeholders to ensure that education programs are sustainable and impactful.
Other dignitaries present at the summit included SA Technical Dr. Claris Ujam, who made a paper presentation on ministerial deliverables, and other ministry directors, who delivered goodwill messages emphasizing the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation in strengthening Nigeria’s education system.
The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to celebrate achievements, reflect on milestones, and strategize for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable education sector in Nigeria.