By Kwin Israel, The Sight News
Nigeria’s education reforms are drawing international commendation, with former Tanzanian President and Chairman of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Board, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, praising the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, for the sweeping changes reshaping the nation’s education sector.
Dr. Kikwete delivered the commendation during a meeting with the Minister, hailing the progress recorded across the sector as clear evidence of Nigeria’s resolve to improve learning outcomes and build stronger education systems.
“Minister, thank you for your time. Congratulations on the efforts you are making,” Dr. Kikwete told Alausa.
The former Tanzanian leader also struck an optimistic note ahead of September’s Global Education Summit, where President Bola Tinubu will co-chair proceedings alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The summit is billed to unlock fresh global investment and deepen international partnerships in support of quality education through the GPE.
As GPE Board Chairman, Dr. Kikwete pointed to Nigeria’s rising profile within the Partnership, noting that Dr. Alausa’s seat on the GPE Board underscores the country’s active role in shaping global education priorities and widening access to quality learning for children worldwide.
In response, Dr. Alausa thanked the former President for his decades of service to Africa and to children everywhere, especially his steadfast championing of foundational education.
“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.
Dr. Alausa also commended Dr. Kikwete’s lasting impact on continental leadership development, noting that his commitment to nurturing young leaders continues to inspire transformative change and sustainable growth.
The Education Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment, under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, to deepening education reforms through stronger partnerships, greater investment, and evidence-based policies aimed at improving learning outcomes for every Nigerian child.
He pledged that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue working closely with the GPE and other international partners to build a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready education system — one that equips Nigerian learners with the skills and opportunities to thrive in the 21st century.
