The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, has called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to renew their collective commitment to building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
The Minister made the call in a statement marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to uphold unity, patriotism, service and a shared sense of responsibility.
He said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s journey, celebrate its shared identity and renew the collective commitment to building a peaceful, united and prosperous country.
“As Nigeria marks her 66th Independence Anniversary, I extend my warmest greetings and felicitations to all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.”
Alausa stressed that education remained one of the strongest foundations for achieving the Nigeria citizens desired, particularly through human capital development, social mobility, innovation and sustainable national development.
“As we celebrate our independence, let us continue to uphold unity, patriotism, service and a shared sense of responsibility. The Nigeria we desire is a collective responsibility, and education remains one of the strongest foundations for achieving it,” he stated
The Minister said the future of Nigeria was closely linked to the quality of education provided for its children and young people.
“As Minister of Education, I am particularly conscious that the future of Nigeria is closely linked to the quality of education we provide for our children and young people. Education remains fundamental to human capital development, social mobility, innovation and sustainable national development,” he stressed.
Alausa expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and continued support for the education sector and human capital development.
According to him, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the President, through the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, NESRI, continues to advance reforms and investments.
“Aimed at expanding access to education, strengthening educational institutions, supporting learners, improving teacher quality, promoting technical and vocational education, and equipping our young people with the knowledge and skills required to contribute meaningfully to national development,” Alausa said.
The Minister acknowledged that despite progress recorded in the sector, much remained to be done, stressing the need to strengthen foundational learning, improve teacher development, expand skills and technical education, promote research and innovation, and provide safe and conducive learning environments.
He said such measures were necessary to ensure that every Nigerian child had the opportunity to learn, develop and fulfil their potential.
Alausa reiterated his commitment to working with governments at all levels, teachers, parents, students, education stakeholders and development partners to build an education system that was accessible, equitable, innovative and responsive to the needs of a changing world.
He urged young Nigerians to remain hopeful, disciplined and committed to excellence, noting that their knowledge, character, creativity and skills were essential to building the Nigeria they desired.
“You are not only the leaders of tomorrow; you are important participants in shaping the Nigeria of today.”
The Minister saluted Nigerians for their courage and resilience, wishing the country and its citizens a happy Independence Day.
“On this Independence Day, I salute all Nigerians and celebrate the courage and resilience that continue to define our nation.
“Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!”
Alausa prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Nigeria, the President and Commander-in-Chief, and all citizens.
