The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, has been named Most Innovative Cabinet Minister of the Year 2025 at the Silver Jubilee Awards organised by Independent Newspapers Limited in Lagos.
The award followed a rigorous selection process involving nationwide public voting, independent jury assessment, and editorial board review, recognising outstanding leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in public service.
This was contained in a statement on Monday, 20th April, 2026, by the Ministry of Education.
The recognition was described as a reflection of ongoing reforms under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), a comprehensive programme aimed at expanding access, improving quality, and strengthening equity in the country’s education system.
Key among these reforms is the revitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with renewed focus on practical skills acquisition to boost employability and entrepreneurship among students.
The ministry has also intensified investments in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences (STEMM), including the rehabilitation of medical schools and engineering faculties across federal institutions.
Other flagship initiatives include the Student Venture Capital Grant, designed to support student-led innovations, and the Diaspora Bridge programme, which connects Nigerian professionals abroad with local universities to enhance knowledge exchange and capacity building.
Efforts to tackle the challenge of out-of-school children have also been scaled up, alongside expanded support for girls’ education through scholarships, mentorship, and safer learning environments.
The ministry further highlighted the introduction of the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI), a digital platform aimed at improving planning, transparency, and accountability through real-time data tracking of students, teachers, and school facilities nationwide.
Reacting to the award, Alausa expressed gratitude to Nigerians and the organisers, noting that the recognition underscores collective efforts to reposition the sector.
“I sincerely thank Nigerians, the organisers, and the judges for this honour. While we appreciate this recognition, it also reminds us that there is still much work to be done,” he said.
The ministry added that the award serves as motivation to accelerate reforms aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at building a resilient, skills-driven, and future-ready education system.