The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has said that the future belongs to nations that prioritise accessible and quality education for all citizens, stressing that open, digital and technology-driven learning has become central to global education systems.
He made the remarks while delivering the convocation address at the maiden convocation ceremony of MIVA Open University, where the institution graduated its first set of students.
Addressing the graduates, the Minister described them as pioneers who successfully combined academic pursuits with careers, businesses and family responsibilities.
“To the graduates, congratulations. You are more than graduates; you are pioneers,” he said. “Many of you balanced your studies alongside careers, businesses, and family responsibilities, proving that determination, supported by technology and innovation, can remove barriers to learning.”
He noted that open and digital learning is no longer an alternative system but a core component of the future of education, adding that institutions such as MIVA Open University are expanding access to higher education for more Nigerians.
“Open and digital learning is no longer an alternative. It is an essential part of the future of education,” he said. “Institutions like MIVA are expanding access to quality higher education by creating opportunities for more Nigerians to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
Dr. Alausa said the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is implementing wide-ranging reforms in the education sector through the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).
He explained that the initiative focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), digitalisation, quality assurance, and expanded access to learning.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we are implementing the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), our comprehensive roadmap for transforming the education sector,” he said.
He added that the reforms are designed to prepare Nigerians for future economic opportunities and a rapidly evolving global workforce.
“Through our focus on STEMM, TVET, digitalisation, quality assurance, and expanded access to learning, we are building an education system that prepares Nigerians not just for today’s economy, but for the opportunities of tomorrow,” he said.
The Minister congratulated the graduating class and urged them to remain ambassadors of lifelong learning and innovation.
“Congratulations once again to the Class of 2026. May your achievements inspire many more Nigerians to embrace lifelong learning and help build the prosperous nation we all seek,” he said.