The Federal Government on Monday introduced three new national education policies, signalling a major shift from policy creation to full-scale implementation across the country.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the reforms in Abuja, explaining that the ministry had adopted an 80 per cent implementation and 20 per cent policy development model, in line with global best practices.
According to him, Nigeria’s education policies must now translate into measurable outcomes in all states. He thanked development partners, including UNESCO and UNICEF, for their support to the sector.
Alausa said the newly unveiled policies would strengthen existing frameworks or fill gaps where no policy had previously existed.
“Policy is just 10 per cent of the work. Implementation is the heart of what we do, and the Commissioners will drive this work, while the federal government will provide the technical support and resources required,” he said.
He revealed that the first policy — the National Teachers’ Policy — alongside its implementation guidelines, aims to strengthen teacher quality, improve competencies, and enhance professional development nationwide. He added that the government had accelerated digitalisation efforts for teacher training and would soon launch a platform for continuous professional development.
The minister also noted steps to ensure full licensing of public school teachers by the Teacher Registration Council to improve learning outcomes.
The second policy, on Drug and Substance Abuse in Schools, addresses the rising incidence of drug use among secondary and tertiary students. Alausa disclosed that this is the first time Nigeria is producing a national policy and implementation guideline dedicated to drug abuse in schools. The framework includes counselling, behavioural support, and clear penalties for repeat offenders.
“We must protect our youth. Addiction destroys lives, and President Bola Tinubu believes strongly in the capacity of Nigerians,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olorungbebe, pledged the states’ commitment to full execution of the policies. He emphasised that while the federal government formulates policies, implementation rests with states.
“Most of the implementation steps can easily be captured in our 2025 project plans for those who have not gone beyond that stage,” he said.
Olorungbebe added that state commissioners remain “strategic, decisive, and deliberate” and would ensure the policies translate into concrete outcomes across the federation.
