Teacher Development Key to Education Reform, Says Minister as FG Renews Commitment

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening teacher recruitment, training, and motivation, describing educators as essential to achieving meaningful reforms in Nigeria’s education sector.

While speaking at the 2025 KADA EduPACT International Summit held in Kaduna, Alausa emphasized that no education reform can succeed without prioritizing the role of teachers. He also noted ongoing government efforts, including the revitalization of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria and the introduction of the Teacher Internship and Quality Assurance Framework, both aimed at raising teaching standards across the country.

According to him, Kaduna State’s approach to educational reform offers a practical model that could guide broader improvements nationwide. He commended the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, citing initiatives such as a 40% reduction in tuition fees for state-owned tertiary institutions, renewed investment in Kaduna State University, and a $62 million basic education programme.

“What we see today in Kaduna is not just progress it is a demonstration that real transformation is possible when leadership is deliberate and guided by data,” Alausa said.

He outlined a national vision for education built around five key pillars: learner-centered education, inclusion and equity, digital literacy, resilience, and long-term sustainability. Alausa encouraged states to align their efforts with global standards, referencing outcomes from the UN Transforming Education Summit and a recent development finance forum held in Spain.

“Education is a shared responsibility. The government alone cannot achieve these goals. Kaduna’s model of building strategic partnerships should be replicated in other states,” he added.

He stressed that the education system must equip learners with skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital competency, while remaining inclusive and accessible to all. “Our strategy must go beyond buildings it must also address curriculum relevance, teacher quality, gender equity, and sustainable funding,” the minister concluded.

Governor Uba Sani, in his remarks, described education as a vital tool for personal empowerment and national development. He explained that Kaduna State had moved from isolated efforts to a unified, data-driven education strategy that is future-ready.

“We believe a peaceful and prosperous society depends on accessible, equitable, and high-quality education,” he said, addressing a gathering of local stakeholders, federal officials, and international development partners.

Despite economic challenges, he noted that Kaduna State had safeguarded its education funding and embraced technology to expand access. This includes using cost-effective digital tools and radio-based learning, especially in underserved areas.

Governor Sani outlined several achievements of his administration, including the construction or renovation of over 1,000 classrooms, commissioning of 62 new secondary schools, distribution of nearly 1.5 million instructional materials, provision of more than 30,000 two-seater desks, and the deployment of real-time digital dashboards to track student enrollment and academic performance.

“Our goal is simple no child in Kaduna should be denied an education due to financial hardship,” he stated, noting a rise in tertiary enrollment following the tuition reduction policy.

He also announced the launch of the Reaching Out-of-School Children Project, which aims to return 300,000 children to the classroom. Describing the situation of out-of-school children as a national concern, he called for collective action to address it.

In terms of higher education, the governor revealed that Kaduna State had invested over ₦500 million in its university, resulting in the approval of 40 new academic programmes by the National Universities Commission for the 2024/2025 session. He said the expansion was part of a broader effort to improve access, support innovation, and align academic offerings with national and global needs.

The three-day EduPACT Summit is expected to conclude with the creation of a Kaduna State Education Transformation Blueprint that aligns with both national priorities and international commitments.