By Felix Khanoba
Nigeria’s ongoing education reforms have attracted international recognition, with former President of Tanzania and Chairman of the Board of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, praising the progress being recorded in the country’s education sector under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa.
The commendation comes ahead of the Global Education Summit scheduled for September, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to co-chair the high-level meeting alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in a move aimed at mobilising greater global investment and stronger partnerships to support quality education worldwide.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, Dr. Kikwete made the remarks during a meeting with Dr. Alausa, where he congratulated the minister on the progress being recorded across the education sector and described the ongoing reforms as a clear indication of Nigeria’s commitment to improving learning outcomes and strengthening education systems.
“Minister, thank you for your time. Congratulations on the efforts you are making,” Dr. Kikwete said.
The former Tanzanian leader also expressed optimism about the forthcoming Global Education Summit, which is expected to attract increased international investment and deepen global collaboration in advancing quality education through the Global Partnership for Education.
As Chairman of the GPE Board, Dr. Kikwete acknowledged Nigeria’s expanding influence within the organisation, noting that Dr. Alausa’s membership of the GPE Board underscores the country’s active role in shaping global education priorities and broadening access to quality education for children.
Responding, Dr. Alausa thanked the former Tanzanian President for his contributions to Africa and the international community, particularly his dedication to strengthening foundational education and nurturing future leaders.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for all your service to Africa, to the world, and to the children of the world for all the things you continue to do to support foundational education,” the Minister said.
He also commended Dr. Kikwete’s longstanding commitment to leadership development across Africa, describing his efforts in mentoring young leaders as an inspiration for transformative leadership and sustainable development.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the administration’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to advancing education reforms through stronger partnerships, increased investment and evidence-based policies designed to improve learning outcomes and expand access to quality education for every Nigerian child.
The minister further assured that the Ministry of Education would continue collaborating with the Global Partnership for Education and other international partners to build a resilient, inclusive and future-ready education system capable of equipping Nigerian learners with the knowledge, skills and opportunities required to thrive in the twenty-first century.
