The minister of education, Tunji Alausa, says the federal government is positioning youths as active partners in transforming Nigeria’s learning system.

Mr Alausa said this at the 2026 International Day of Education celebration in Abuja on Saturday.

Mr Alausa said education remained the foundation for peace, civilisation and sustainable development, in spite challenges such as access gaps, learning poverty, skills mismatch and gender disparities.

“We must recall that education is the bedrock of every civilisation. It is the cornerstone upon which we build stable, prosperous, and peaceful societies. It is the most powerful tool we possess to change the world.

“Education offers children a ladder out of poverty and a path to a promising future. However, we are currently facing a learning crisis of unprecedented proportions and education is seriously under attack.

“On access, nearly 250 million children (UNESCO) and youth are still out of school, denied the basic tools they need to navigate the modern world.

“On literacy, over 763 million youth and adults worldwide (UNESCO) lack basic literacy skills, limiting their ability to participate in the economy or advocate for their rights,” he said.

He noted that education reforms were anchored on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritising national renewal, economic growth and social transformation.

The minister said funding for education had improved through increased budgetary allocations, innovative financing and stronger partnerships with international development partners.

Mr Alausa listed key interventions under the Education Transformation Roadmap, including curriculum rationalisation, digital learning platforms, teacher capacity building, expanded TVET and improved infrastructure.

He added that the introduction of a National Anti-Bullying Policy would ensure safe, inclusive and learner-friendly school environments.

The minister said Nigeria’s youthful population necessitated a shift from top-down education models to participatory systems that empower learners as co-creators.

He highlighted the federal government’s achievements to include the Nigerian Education Sector Renewed Initiative (NESRI) rollout, expanded TVET centres, increased STEMM and medical enrolment, enhanced scholarships and strengthened education data transparency.

Mr Alausa said access and inclusion had improved through programmes targeting out-of-school children, girl-child education initiatives and enhanced school safety frameworks.

Reaffirming commitment to SDG 4, the minister called for collaboration among parents, communities, civil society and the private sector to establish innovation and skills centres.

He commended teachers for their dedication and urged students to actively engage in shaping education policies through innovation.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to lifelong learning opportunities for all Nigerians.

(NAN)