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Cites student loans, TVET expansion, skills development
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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will win the 2027 presidential election, arguing that his administration’s performance, particularly in education and human capital development, will influence voters’ decisions.
Alausa said the Federal Government’s interventions, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the expansion of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and skills development programmes, were among the key achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda that Nigerians should consider ahead of the election.
A statement signed by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister, indicated that the minister stated this in Abuja during a visit to the City Boy Movement’s office, where he commended Seyi Tinubu and members of the group for their grassroots mobilisation and engagement with Nigerians across different age groups, ethnic backgrounds and social classes.
He urged members of the movement to sustain their community outreach and communicate the government’s policies and programmes effectively, while cautioning Nigerians against misinformation and what he described as attempts by critics to mislead the public.
According to him, Tinubu’s leadership is driven by a long-term vision for the country, particularly the future of younger generations, even when achieving that vision requires difficult policy decisions.
“President Tinubu makes promises he intends to fulfil. His decisions are not just about today; they are about the future of our children and grandchildren,” Alausa said.
He described education as a central pillar of the administration’s development agenda, noting that government interventions were designed to expand access to higher education, improve student welfare and equip young Nigerians with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
On student financing, the minister identified NELFUND as a major intervention aimed at reducing the financial barriers preventing young Nigerians from pursuing higher education.
He said the initiative was intended to ensure that students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds were not denied educational opportunities simply because their families could not afford the cost.
Alausa also disclosed that more than 250,000 Nigerians were benefiting from skills development programmes across approximately 1,200 training centres nationwide.
The programmes, he said, covered practical skills in solar photovoltaic installation, fashion and garment production, carpentry, construction-related trades, animal husbandry and other technical fields.
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He explained that the TVET initiative was part of efforts to bridge the gap between education and employment by preparing young people for opportunities in industry, entrepreneurship and other productive sectors.
The minister stressed that education should go beyond the acquisition of academic certificates to provide learners with practical competencies required in the changing world of work.
He maintained that developing a skilled workforce was essential to Nigeria’s economic transformation, adding that investments in technical training and professional development would help create jobs and strengthen the country’s human capital.
Alausa further highlighted efforts to address infrastructure and accommodation challenges in tertiary institutions, noting that inadequate student housing remained a concern across the higher education system.
He also referenced initiatives to expand nursing education and professional training, describing the development of skilled personnel as critical to strengthening essential sectors of the economy.
The minister said the government’s reform agenda was aimed at addressing long-standing structural challenges and creating greater fiscal space for investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure and other public services.
He also expressed optimism about opportunities in business-process outsourcing and the service economy, arguing that a better-skilled workforce could attract international businesses and create employment for young Nigerians.
On political mobilisation efforts, Alausa praised Seyi Tinubu and members of the City Boy Movement for their commitment to grassroots engagement, describing their activities as an expression of volunteerism and collective responsibility.
He urged members to encourage informed public discussions, engage communities constructively and help Nigerians understand the policies being implemented by the Federal Government.
The minister cautioned against misinformation and divisive rhetoric, calling on citizens to place national interest above partisan considerations when discussing the country’s future.
He maintained that the administration’s record in education, vocational training and human capital development should form a significant part of public assessment ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
