The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has been named the Most Innovative Cabinet Minister of the Year (2025) at the Silver Jubilee Awards organised by Independent Newspapers Limited in Lagos.
Reacting to the recognition, Alausa said the award reflects the collective efforts of stakeholders working to transform Nigeria’s education sector, rather than a personal achievement.
He highlighted key reforms being implemented under his ministry, including the strengthening of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), expansion of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM) education, and the introduction of the Student Venture Capital Grant to support innovation among students.
The minister also listed the establishment of the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI), the rollout of the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF), and recent engagements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) aimed at stabilising the university system.
According to him, the reforms are being driven through a “one-government approach,” involving collaboration with other ministries, education agencies, and state governments to ensure nationwide impact.
Alausa further explained that the initiatives form part of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government.
He said while progress has been made, more work remains to strengthen and modernise the education sector across the country.
