Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has been named Innovative Minister of the Year at the Independent Newspapers Silver Jubilee Awards held on Saturday.
Organisers said the minister earned the recognition due to what they described as sweeping reforms across Nigeria’s education sector.
The award was received on his behalf by Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, during a ceremony at Eko Hotel & Suites.
According to the organisers, Alausa emerged winner after a rigorous 12-week selection process involving public voting, jury assessment, and editorial review.
His recognition was linked to reforms under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, built on six pillars—access, equity, quality, relevance, efficiency, and governance—aimed at improving learning outcomes at all levels.
Among key initiatives highlighted was the establishment of the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure, designed to provide real-time monitoring of schools, enrolment figures, and infrastructure to enhance planning and accountability.
The minister was also commended for expanding the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund to improve staff welfare and capacity development in higher institutions.
In addition, a formal agreement with academic unions, which took effect on January 1, 2026, was credited with helping to stabilise academic calendars in tertiary institutions.
Other reforms include advancements in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), notably the adoption of an 80:20 practical-to-theory model in technical colleges to boost employability skills.
Alausa was further recognised for launching the Student Venture Capital Grant programme to support student-led innovations, as well as rehabilitating medical and STEMM-related institutions to strengthen training in critical sectors.
The ministry also revived the National Commission for Alleviation of Out-of-School Children Education to tackle the out-of-school children crisis, supported by a national dashboard tracking reintegration efforts across states.
Efforts to digitise education were equally noted, with platforms such as AWS Academy and Inspire Live providing access to learning for millions of students nationwide, particularly in underserved communities.
Reacting via his X handle after the event, Alausa described the award as a collective achievement rather than a personal one, attributing the progress to a “one-government approach” involving collaboration among federal agencies, state governments, and development partners.
“These reforms are part of a coordinated effort to rebuild the education system and ensure no child is left behind,” he said.
He added that the recognition underscores the importance of sustained collaboration in delivering measurable improvements in educational outcomes across Nigeria.