Jane Salihu
Nigeria’s education reform agenda has received a major vote of confidence from the international community ahead of the September Global Education Summit, with former President of Tanzania and Chairman of the Board of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, commending the initiatives being driven by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa.
Kikwete gave the commendation during a meeting with the minister, where he acknowledged the progress being made to transform Nigeria’s education sector and praised the Federal Government’s commitment to improving learning outcomes and strengthening education systems.
“Minister, thank you for your time. Congratulations on the efforts you are making,” Kikwete said.
The endorsement comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepares to co-chair the Global Education Summit in September alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a development expected to reinforce Nigeria’s growing role in advancing global education priorities and mobilising greater investment in the sector.
Kikwete, who chairs the GPE Board, also highlighted Nigeria’s increasing influence within the global education partnership, noting that Alausa’s membership of the board reflects the country’s active participation in shaping international education policies and expanding access to quality learning.
Responding, Alausa expressed appreciation to the former Tanzanian President for his enduring contributions to education and leadership development across Africa and beyond.
He described Kikwete as a passionate advocate of foundational education whose commitment to developing future leaders continues to inspire reforms across the continent.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening education reforms under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through stronger partnerships, increased investment and evidence-based policies that improve access to quality education.
He also assured that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to strengthen collaboration with the Global Partnership for Education and other international development partners to build an inclusive, resilient and future-ready education system for Nigerian learners.
The September Global Education Summit is expected to bring together world leaders, development partners and education stakeholders to mobilise increased funding and stronger international cooperation in support of quality education across developing countries.
