The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has won the 2026 Sun Minister of the Year Award, dedicating the recognition to Nigerian teachers, students and young people….
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has won the 2026 Sun Minister of the Year Award, dedicating the recognition to Nigerian teachers, students and young people.
Alausa received the award at the 2026 Sun Awards ceremony held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In his acceptance speech, the minister described the honour as recognition of the collective efforts of the Federal Ministry of Education, its agencies, teachers, institutional leaders and development partners in improving education and expanding opportunities for learners.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support and leadership, saying the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda had provided the impetus for far-reaching reforms in the education sector.
Alausa also acknowledged the contributions of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, particularly her advocacy for education, children’s welfare and the protection of girls whose circumstances threaten their access to schooling.
Highlighting the government’s reform priorities, the minister said the Federal Ministry of Education was implementing the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) to expand access to education, improve teaching and learning, strengthen technical and vocational skills and promote data-driven policy implementation.
He said the government’s ambition went beyond getting children into classrooms, stressing the need to ensure that Nigerian learners received quality education that met international standards and prepared them for a competitive global economy.
Alausa said the ministry was also repositioning education towards employability, productivity and economic relevance through its philosophy of “Learn to Work, not just Teach to Learn.”
According to him, the vision is to ensure that young Nigerians graduate with practical knowledge and relevant skills to secure decent, quality and high-paying jobs.
He maintained that educational success should not be measured solely by certificates awarded but by the ability of graduates to contribute meaningfully to the economy and society.
The minister described teachers as indispensable partners in the country’s educational transformation, acknowledging their sacrifices and commitment to shaping future generations.
He said the award would serve as encouragement and a greater responsibility to sustain reforms and deliver measurable improvements in access, learning outcomes and the overall quality of education.
Alausa also thanked his family, friends, government and industry partners, as well as the Board of Editors, management and staff of The Sun Publishing Limited for the recognition.
He pledged that the ministry would continue working with stakeholders to build an education system that prepares Nigerian children for academic success, employment, innovation, entrepreneurship and national development.
The award comes as the Federal Government pursues its Renewed Hope Agenda, with education positioned as a key driver of human capital development, national productivity and inclusive economic growth.
