Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has declared that Nigeria’s education reforms have moved beyond national boundaries, becoming a global mission that demands strategic alliances, bold reforms, and sustained commitment.

Speaking at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Alausa stressed that his engagements at the summit were not mere formalities but deliberate efforts to align Nigeria’s education agenda with global initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to a statement, the minister presented an African-driven vision for education while highlighting Nigeria’s unique advantage on the continent. His first major engagement was a bilateral meeting with Namibian President, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“Our discussions reinforced the shared vision of Nigeria and Namibia in strengthening cooperation across education, knowledge exchange, and continental development. I remain committed to deepening these partnerships as we work together to build a stronger and more prosperous Africa,” Alausa said.

On the sidelines of UNGA, the minister also joined Vice President Shettima for a strategic meeting with Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The statement described the encounter as a point “where innovation met reform.”

“Our discussions centred on strengthening partnerships to accelerate progress in Nigeria’s education sector, particularly around expanding access, improving learning outcomes, and ensuring that our reforms under the NESRI six-point agenda deliver measurable impact for children and youths,” it noted.

The statement further highlighted that, given Nigeria’s status as one of the countries with the largest out-of-school children population, partnerships of this nature serve as a crucial lifeline. A turning point came during the launch of the 5th Financing Campaign of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) 2026–2030, co-hosted by President Bola Tinubu and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where Alausa participated actively.

Identifying education as the “heart of sustainable development, peace, and prosperity,” the minister joined world leaders to reaffirm that education remains the central pillar for stability and growth. His panel intervention, the statement added, was more than rhetoric — it was “an urgent call to action.