The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s investments in education, skills development and human capital will remain central to public assessment of his administration ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Alausa stated this during a visit to the City Boy Movement’s office in Abuja, where he commended Seyi Tinubu and members of the movement for their grassroots mobilisation and engagement with Nigerians across different age groups, ethnic backgrounds and social classes.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, the minister described the movement’s outreach as an expression of collective responsibility and volunteerism, urging members to sustain their engagement with communities and communicate government policies effectively.
He said President Tinubu’s leadership was driven by a long term vision focused on creating opportunities for future generations, adding that some policy decisions must be assessed in the context of their intended long term benefits.
“President Tinubu makes promises he intends to fulfil. His decisions are not just about today; they are about the future of our children and grandchildren,” Alausa said.
The minister identified education as a major pillar of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting initiatives aimed at expanding access to higher education, improving student welfare, strengthening technical and vocational training, and equipping young Nigerians with skills relevant to the economy.
He cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a key intervention designed to reduce financial barriers to tertiary education, stressing that students should not lose opportunities to pursue their academic ambitions because of their families’ financial circumstances.
Alausa also highlighted the government’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative, disclosing that more than 250,000 Nigerians were benefiting from skills development programmes across approximately 1,200 training centres nationwide.
According to him, the programmes provide practical training in areas such as solar photovoltaic installation, fashion and garment production, carpentry, construction related trades and animal husbandry.
He said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping young Nigerians with practical competencies for jobs, entrepreneurship and other productive activities.
The minister maintained that education must go beyond the acquisition of certificates to provide learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to compete in the labour market.
On tertiary education infrastructure, Alausa said the government was pursuing measures to address accommodation shortages and other challenges affecting students’ living and learning conditions.
He also highlighted efforts to expand nursing education and professional training, describing the development of skilled personnel as essential to strengthening critical sectors and improving Nigeria’s human capital.
The minister linked the administration’s reform agenda to efforts to address longstanding structural challenges and create greater fiscal space for investment in essential public services.
He argued that difficult economic decisions should be considered alongside their intended long term outcomes, particularly their potential to support investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure and other sectors affecting citizens’ welfare.
Alausa further identified business process outsourcing and the expanding service economy as potential sources of employment for young Nigerians, expressing optimism that a better skilled workforce could help attract international businesses and create new economic opportunities.
He urged members of the City Boy Movement to sustain grassroots engagement, promote informed public discussions and help communities understand government policies and programmes.
The minister also cautioned against misinformation and divisive rhetoric, calling for responsible public engagement and greater emphasis on national interest.
He maintained that education reforms, vocational training and human capital development should feature prominently in discussions about the administration’s performance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Alausa reiterated his commendation of Seyi Tinubu and the movement’s members, saying grassroots participation, patriotism and collective responsibility were important to advancing the government’s development agenda.
