Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, says her commitment to quality education delivery remains unwavering as she retires from public service after over three decades.
She stated this during an international Symposium organized in her honour with the theme: “Tackling Grand Challenges in Education in Africa in the Context of Emerging Technologies.”
The theme of the symposium, reflected her life’s work and her continued passion for educational transformation.
Professor Ruqayyatu described her retirement not as a withdrawal from service, but as an opportunity to explore broader global engagements.
“My deciding to retire early is not because I am tired, but rather it is an opportunity to also explore further avenues for service to the global community. Education, access to it, and quality delivery will always be a part and parcel of me,”she said.
Professor Ruqayyatu reflected on her time at Bayero University, Kano, where she served for more than 30 years, mentoring generations of Nigerians and contributing to national education policy.
“It has been an exciting experience… an opportunity not only to learn, but also to groom and mentor a great number of the young and old towards their own personal and professional aspirations,” the former Minister said.
She recalled her contributions as Commissioner for Education in Jigawa State and as Nigeria’s Minister of Education, roles she said helped shape the future of the country’s education sector.
Professor Ruqayyatu also acknowledged the impact of insecurity on education access in Nigeria and vowed to dedicate her post-retirement efforts to tackling issues of displacement, inequality, and poor access to quality learning, especially in basic education.
She expressed appreciation to Professor Emeritus Peter Okebukola for convening the event, as well as colleagues, friends and associates who supported her career.
“I will be open to working with friends, colleagues, and other associates in all areas to help move the sector forward,”she disclosed.
In his remarks, Professor Okebukola described her as an innovative leader and visionary reformer committed to transforming education in underserved communities.
“We came together to share perspectives on how to tackle challenges of our time across Africa to Latin America… by making sure that policy is transformed into action and action transformed into impact,” he said.
The Chairman of the event, Professor Emeritus Olu Aina, who also chairs the Board of the National Universities Commission, hailed Professor Ruqayyatu as a scholar and technology advocate whose work has inspired many girls to pursue education.
“She believes that education and integrity breaks barrier, and using modern technology for education is in addition to her belief,” he remarked.
The former Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Mariam Katagum, noted that Professor Ruqayyatu’s belief in technology as a driver of Africa’s prosperity remains one of her greatest legacies.
“As a teacher, mentor and through her commissionership and ministerial positions, Professor Ruqayyatu has left inspiration to inspire us for centuries,” she said.
The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, said she would be remembered for helping to establish federal universities across Nigeria, particularly those with technology-based curricula.
“Professor Ruqayyatu will be remembered for establishing federal universities almost across the country, including technology-based ones,” he said.
Keynote speaker, Professor Peter Scott, President of the Commonwealth of Learning in Vancouver, Canada, said the theme underscored urgent issues such as the mismatch between academic qualifications and job market demands in Africa.
He emphasised the role of Artificial Intelligence and digital tools in improving access and employability, and highlighted ongoing partnerships between the Commonwealth of Learning, Nigeria’s NUC, and NBTE to address skills gaps through open education.
“The challenges provide opportunities to advance education on the African continent, enhance graduate employability. The COL has been partnering with NUC and NBTE on open education using technology as being operated in Yaba Tech in Lagos State to address skill gaps,” he said.
Professor Scott also advocated an expanded teacher network focused on educating girls in underserved areas.
“There is also the need to expand teacher’s network for girl’s education in underserved communities including working on their pedagogy,” he added.
Professor Goski Alabi, co-founder of Laweh Open University College, Accra, described Professor Ruqayyatu as a continental icon whose advocacy has benefited the entire African education sector.
She called for the integration of technology in African education systems, safe AI adoption, and the implementation of a continental education policy framework.
“There is the need for a continental policy on the use of technology in education, implementation of the strategy document and integration of technology into the ecosystem of the African continent as well as safe use of AI in countries,” she suggested.
Professor Maryam Aminu of ABU Zaria, Vice President of the Science Association of Nigeria, warned that Africa’s growing youth population could become a threat if not equipped with practical knowledge and critical thinking through improved STEM education.
“Teachers must be trained in modern ways for the objective to be achieved, curriculum changed and regardless of location, infrastructures must be improved to modern ones to facilitate education,” she said.
Professor Uchenna Nzewi of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, hailed Professor Ruqayyatu’s legacy in empowering women in education and breaking religious, ethnic, and gender barriers.
“Leadership is not about gender but competence with vision and compassion, which Ruqayyatu demonstrated. I urge women to rise together to spark change,” she urged.
Over 500 participants joined the event virtually through Zoom and agreed that while technology challenges persist in Africa’s education system, they can be addressed through collaboration and innovation.
The symposium concluded with a prayer session, a toast, and a review of a forthcoming book in Professor Ruqayyatu’s honour.
PIAK