By Felix Khanoba
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), Professor Mohammed Isa Kida, has applauded the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, on his selection as the 2026 Sun Minister of the Year, describing the honour as a deserved recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s education sector.
Kida, who spoke with journalists on Sunday in Lafia, Nasarawa State, said the award reflected Alausa’s dedication, leadership and sustained efforts to address longstanding challenges in the country’s education system.
He particularly highlighted the Minister’s commitment to implementing strategic reforms, including the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which is aimed at improving the quality of education and strengthening the country’s learning environment.
According to the FULafia Vice-Chancellor, Alausa has demonstrated a strong determination to improve educational standards, enhance learning outcomes and expand opportunities for skills development in line with the Federal Government’s reform agenda.
He said: “This is a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Tunji Alausa’s visionary leadership and selfless service towards repositioning Nigeria’s education sector to meet global standards and ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education comparable to what obtains anywhere in the world, as mandated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Kida further observed that the Minister had shown a firm grasp of the difficulties confronting the education sector and had deployed strategic leadership in addressing critical issues affecting its development.
“Indeed, this award is a perfect fit. The Education Minister has consistently demonstrated an understanding of the challenges facing the education sector and has applied exceptional leadership skills in managing the sector,” he said.
The university administrator also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Alausa to head the Federal Ministry of Education, noting that the Minister had exhibited an unwavering commitment to reforms across the various segments of the sector.
He maintained that the recognition by The Sun, one of Nigeria’s established national newspapers, was further evidence of the impact of the Minister’s policies and initiatives.
“For a reputable national newspaper like The Sun to select him for this award, it is clear that he is doing so much in the education sector. The Minister’s achievements are visible for everyone to see,” Professor Kida said.
Alausa received the award at the 2026 Sun Awards ceremony held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In his remarks at the event, the Minister dedicated the honour to the collective contributions of officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, its agencies, teachers, heads of educational institutions and development partners.
He described the award as an acknowledgement of their shared commitment to improving educational standards and widening access to learning opportunities for Nigerians.
