Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, has been honoured with the Most Innovative Cabinet Minister of the Year 2025 award, in recognition of his reform-driven leadership in the education sector.
The award was presented at the Silver Jubilee Awards organised by Independent Newspapers Limited in Lagos, following what organisers described as a rigorous selection process involving public voting, jury assessment, and editorial review.
According to the Federal Ministry of Education, the recognition reflects growing acknowledgment of reforms being implemented under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which focuses on improving access, quality, and equity, while aligning education with national development priorities.
Key interventions highlighted by the Ministry include the revitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), expansion of STEMM education through the rehabilitation of medical schools and engineering faculties, and support for student-led innovation through the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG). The government has also strengthened digital learning through the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI).
Reacting to the award, Alausa expressed appreciation and reiterated his commitment to sustaining reforms in the sector.
“This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of our team and stakeholders across the education sector. We remain focused on delivering impactful reforms that will expand opportunities and improve learning outcomes for all Nigerians,” he said.
The Ministry also noted ongoing efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children, promote girls’ education, enhance teacher capacity, and upgrade school infrastructure nationwide.
Alausa further linked the reforms to the broader policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We are aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda and will continue to drive initiatives that position education as a key pillar of national development,” he added.
The award underscores increasing recognition of innovation and measurable impact within Nigeria’s public sector leadership.