Alausa Salutes Nigerians at 66, Says Education Key to Renewed Hope By Beauty Akporido Aroh
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to national unity, patriotism and collective responsibility as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Alausa, in an Independence Day message issued in Abuja on Thursday, congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s journey, celebrate its shared identity and strengthen the resolve to build a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.
The Minister said education remained central to Nigeria’s development, stressing that the quality of education provided to children and young people would significantly shape the country’s future.
According to him, education is fundamental to human capital development, social mobility, innovation and sustainable national development.
Alausa expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and continued support for the education sector and human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the President, through the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), had continued to advance reforms and investments designed to expand access to education, strengthen educational institutions, support learners, improve teacher quality and promote technical and vocational education.
The Minister added that the initiatives were also aimed at equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills required to contribute meaningfully to national development.
He, however, acknowledged that significant work remained to be done in the education sector.
Alausa identified foundational learning, teacher development, skills and technical education, research and innovation, as well as the provision of safe and conducive learning environments as areas requiring sustained attention.
He pledged to continue working with governments at all levels, teachers, parents, students, education stakeholders and development partners to build an education system that is accessible, equitable, innovative and responsive to the needs of a changing world.
The Minister also urged Nigerian youths to remain hopeful, disciplined and committed to excellence, stressing that their knowledge, character, creativity and skills were critical to building the country.
“You are not only the leaders of tomorrow; you are important participants in shaping the Nigeria of today,” he said.
Alausa urged Nigerians to uphold unity, patriotism, service and a shared sense of responsibility, noting that building the Nigeria of their aspirations remained a collective responsibility.
He said education would continue to serve as one of the strongest foundations for achieving a peaceful, prosperous and developed Nigeria.
“On this Independence Day, I salute all Nigerians and celebrate the courage and resilience that continue to define our nation,” the Minister said.
He wished Nigerians a happy Independence Day and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Tinubu and all citizens.
