L-R: Nigerian Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and the former Tanzanian President, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, has earned international commendation for the bold reforms being implemented to transform Nigeria’s education sector, with former President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairman of the Board of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, applauding the Minister’s efforts and expressing confidence in Nigeria’s growing leadership in advancing the global education agenda.
Dr. Kikwete gave the commendation during a meeting with the Honourable Minister, where he congratulated Dr. Alausa on the progress being recorded across they education sector and described the ongoing reforms as a strong demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to improving learning outcomes and strengthening education systems.
“Minister, thank you for your time. Congratulations on the efforts you are making,” Dr. Kikwete was quoted as saying in a statement by the minister’s media aide, Ikharo Attah.
The former Tanzanian President also expressed optimism ahead of the Global Education Summit scheduled for September, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will co-chair the high-level meeting alongside the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. The summit is expected to mobilise increased global investment and stronger international partnerships in support of quality education through the Global Partnership for Education.
As Chairman of the GPE Board, Dr. Kikwete acknowledged Nigeria’s growing influence within the Partnership, noting that Dr. Alausa’s membership of the GPE Board reflects the country’s active contribution to shaping global education priorities and expanding access to quality learning for children.
Responding, Dr. Alausa expressed appreciation to the former Tanzanian President for his outstanding service to Africa and the international community, particularly his unwavering commitment to advancing foundational education and developing future leaders.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for all your service to Africa, to the world, and to the children of the world for all the things you continue to do to support foundational education,” the Minister said.
The Minister also acknowledged Dr. Kikwete’s enduring contributions to leadership development across the continent, noting that his commitment to empowering young leaders continues to inspire transformative leadership and sustainable development.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deepening education reforms through stronger partnerships, increased investment and evidence-based policies that improve learning outcomes and expand access to quality education for every Nigerian child.
He further assured that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to work closely with the Global Partnership for Education and other international partners to build a resilient, inclusive and future-ready education system that equips Nigerian learners with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to succeed in the twenty-first century.
