The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for his sweeping reforms in the education sector and called for sustained implementation to ensure a lasting impact.
In a statement signed by its president, Akinteye Afeez, the association praised the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, the introduction of a revised curriculum emphasising practical skills and digital literacy, and efforts to advance digital transformation in education.
The group, which says it represents more than 40.1 million Nigerian students, described the measures as steps towards making education more relevant to a changing labour market.
It also called for deeper engagement with student representatives and government agencies as the policies move into implementation.
The endorsement centres on the reforms’ potential to connect classroom learning with practical skills.
NANS said expanded vocational education could give students more opportunities to acquire job-related skills, while curriculum changes and digital initiatives could help prepare them for a technology-driven economy.
“As a body, we recognise the significance of initiatives that improve our learning conditions, promote skills acquisition and introduce curricula that respond to the ever-expanding technological world,” the statement said.
NANS credited Alausa with challenging longstanding practices that it said had constrained progress in the education sector.
The association also acknowledged his efforts to strengthen education financing and address obstacles to the delivery of quality education.
Its statement offered an enthusiastic assessment of the minister’s leadership, describing his performance as exceptional.
“You have identified the need to change the status quo, challenge long-standing limitations and elevate the standard,” it said.
The association’s assessment focused largely on the direction and expected benefits of the policies.
Its statement did not provide figures on student participation, funding commitments or measurable improvements in learning outcomes.
Alongside its praise, NANS urged the minister to maintain the pace of reform and give students a stronger voice in implementation.
The group said cooperation among education authorities, government agencies and student bodies would be necessary to translate policy decisions into tangible benefits.
It called for students’ concerns to remain central as the initiatives are put into practice.
“We therefore urge him to sustain the momentum, deepen engagement with student representatives and government agencies, and ensure that these reforms translate into lasting impact,” the statement said.
