The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has announced the refinement of 38 federal and state technical colleges across the country. Alausa stated this on Monday in Abuja during the 2025 quarterly citizens engagement on the Nigerian education sector renewal initiative.
According to him, the upgrade is part of systemic changes aimed at equipping Nigerian youth with global skills. He emphasized that the development will reposition the education sector for a skill-based and sustainable economy.
Reports say the engagement summit focuses on key priorities and addresses challenges causing an increased rate of non-enrolled children. Alausa also highlights six important priority areas under the ministry reform agenda concerning education in the country.
He expressed that the ministry reform will reduce the number of non-enrolled girls and improve access through targeted national programs. In addition, he pointed out a newly introduced dual training model that allows students to prepare for the real world market.
The minister continued by saying that the goal is to train young Nigerians with global skills within four years. According to him, artisans will be paid to mentor trainees which will establish a new value chain in the education sector.
The core feature of the reform “NESRI” contains initiatives on literacy improvement, curriculum reform, and data digitization, among others. Alausa stated that NESRI will address issues of access, quality inclusivity, research and professional development in education.
Talking about students, the minister disclosed that Nigeria has 15 million unenrolled children and over 45 million are considered learning poor. He noted that 6 million adolescent girls between 12-19 currently out of school, serve as key focus of the forum.
Also, he disclosed that twenty-five thousand children have been integrated into formal education through NESRI to combat the issue. He concluded by disclosing the move that will tackle examination malpractices and enhance integrity in the examination sector.
Tunji noted that the National Examination Council (NECO) and WAEC will start conducting computer-based tests in November 2025 with full digitization.
