Kabiru Haruna
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has inaugurated the Government–Private Sector Working Group, emphasizing that private sector participation is crucial to transforming Nigeria’s education sector.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Alausa described the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiatives (NESRI) as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to overhauling the nation’s learning system.
He stressed that private sector engagement must align with NESRI’s objectives to deliver a stronger, more innovative, and equitable education framework.
The Minister warned that millions of Nigerian children aged 5–14 face “learning poverty,” making it imperative to bridge the education gap and equip young citizens with skills to compete in the global economy.
Outlining the terms of reference for the Working Group, Dr. Alausa said members will:
Strengthen collaboration in line with national education priorities.
Support the Ministry’s transformative agenda.
Build a more inclusive and innovative education ecosystem.
Facilitate exchange of ideas between government and private sector stakeholders.
Make informed recommendations to guide education reform.
He called for close cooperation to transition Nigeria from a resource-based to a knowledge-driven economy, assuring that the Ministry will work hand in hand with the private sector to expand access to quality education.
Earlier, Director of Education Planning, Research and Development (DEPR&D), Mrs. Obianuju Anigbogu, disclosed that the Working Group was formed after a series of stakeholder consultations aimed at fostering educational progress.
In her acceptance remarks, Dr. (Mrs.) Angela Ajala reaffirmed the private sector’s commitment to driving education reform in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Working Group Members
Government Sector:
Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa – Chairman
Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad – Co-Chair
Mrs. Obianuju Anigbogu – DEPR&D
Dr. (Mrs.) O.F. Olatunji David – DBE
Mrs. Abdulkadir D. Binta – DSSE
Mr. Adegboye A. Adebola – DoFEQAS
Dr. Garba Aisha – ES UBEC
Dr. Iyala Ajayi – NSSEC
Prof. Salisu Shehu – ES NERD
Private Sector:
Hon. Orji Emmanuel
Dr. Samira Jibrin
Dr. (Mrs.) Angela Ajala
Alhaji Obalekan Abdulwahid
Mrs. Yinka Ogumade
Mrs. Akinyeniju
Chief Lai Koko
Hajiya Maryam Magaji
Dr. Alausa concluded that with sustained government–private partnerships, Nigeria can build a renewed and inclusive education system capable of preparing citizens for 21st-century challenges and opportunities.