The Federal Government has intensified efforts to reposition Nigeria’s education sector with the inauguration of governing boards for key education agencies, principal officers of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, and the appointment of a new rector for the Federal Polytechnic, N’Yak-Shendam.
- +Education sector reforms advance as FG swears in boards, institutional leaders
- +…moves to tackle learning poverty, weak research ecosystems in schools
- +…tasks appointees on TVET expansion, research, digitalisation
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held on Wednesday in Abuja, Tunji Alausa, minister of Education, said the appointments were part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening governance, improving accountability, and accelerating transformation across the education sector.
…moves to tackle learning poverty, weak research ecosystems in schools
…tasks appointees on TVET expansion, research, digitalisation
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held on Wednesday in Abuja, Tunji Alausa, minister of Education, said the appointments were part of ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening governance, improving accountability, and accelerating transformation across the education sector.
Alausa described the ceremony as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning education as a critical driver of national development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the minister, the administration’s investments and policy direction have created an enabling environment for far-reaching reforms focused on quality education, expanded access, digitalisation, technical and vocational education, and data-driven decision-making.
“Today’s ceremony is not merely procedural, it is symbolic of our unwavering commitment to repositioning education as the bedrock of national development,” he said.
Alausa charged the newly inaugurated board chairmen and members to provide strategic oversight for their agencies, ensure accountability, and align institutional operations with national education priorities.
He said the appointees were selected based on competence, integrity, and commitment to national service, stressing that education agencies require transparent and disciplined leadership capable of delivering measurable outcomes.
The minister also tasked the principal officers of the newly established Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama, including the vice-chancellor, registrar, bursar, and librarian, to lay a strong institutional foundation for the university.
He urged them to focus on building robust academic programmes, investing in faculty development, promoting impactful research, and fostering strategic partnerships that would enhance innovation and entrepreneurship.
Addressing the newly appointed rector of the Federal Polytechnic, N’Yak-Shendam, Alausa said polytechnics remain central to Nigeria’s industrialisation agenda through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
He said the institution must produce graduates equipped with practical competencies, entrepreneurial skills, and industry-relevant knowledge rather than certificates alone.
The minister also warned reappointed chief executive officers of agencies under the ministry against complacency, noting that continuity must be used to consolidate reforms and improve service delivery.
He identified learning poverty, teacher quality gaps, infrastructure deficits, and weak research ecosystems as some of the critical challenges confronting the sector.
According to him, the Federal Government is currently pursuing curriculum reforms, digital transformation of education systems, expansion of TVET programmes, and improved monitoring and evaluation frameworks to strengthen education outcomes nationwide.
Alausa further emphasised the need for prudent resource management, compliance with due process, and adherence to public service ethics by all appointees.
He assured stakeholders that the ministry would continue to strengthen collaboration across agencies and align interventions with national priorities to ensure inclusive access to quality education.
Among those inaugurated were Babatunde Lawal Salako as chairman of the governing board of the National Board for Technical Education; Modupe Adeola Adelabu as chairman of the governing board of the National Examinations Council; and Shofoyeke David as executive secretary of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, among others.
