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ANCOPSS, NUT, NAPPS Set Agenda for New Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa
By Grace Edema
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector have outlined key priorities for the newly appointed Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa.
They emphasized the need for an overhaul of the basic education curriculum and stronger collaboration with State Commissioners of Education and relevant agencies across the country.
Dr. Alausa was appointed Minister of Education on October 23, 2024, by President Bola Tinubu, succeeding Prof. Tahir Mamman, who was among five ministers dismissed earlier.
In an interview with The PUNCH, the National President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mr. Musa Ibrahim, highlighted the urgency of revising the national curriculum to incorporate practical and skill-based learning.
“The curriculum should enable learners to engage in practical activities, fostering skill development alongside academic knowledge,” Ibrahim stated.
He called for collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education and state ministries to enhance the curriculum.
“Our curriculum is too focused on theory. We need to look at how other developed nations structure theirs.
Organizing a curriculum conference with experts from universities and other educators would be a significant step forward.
Achieving this during his tenure would be a great accomplishment,” he added.
Similarly, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Dr. Mike Ike-Ene, urged Dr. Alausa to consult widely with stakeholders, including teachers, to ensure the effective implementation of education policies.
“We need to ensure that the right policies are put in place at the right time and in the right places. Education managers often fail to consult stakeholders before making key decisions,” Ike-Ene said.
He also emphasized the importance of synergy between the Federal Ministry of Education and State Commissioners, pointing out gaps in the implementation of educational reforms in some states.
“There needs to be stronger collaboration between the federal minister and state commissioners of education.
In some states, little is being done in terms of educational progress, especially regarding the welfare of workers,” he noted.
The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), in a congratulatory message signed by its National President, Mr. Yomi Odubela, called for a proactive approach to revisiting the curriculum to align with global standards.
“We advocate for a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, vocational skills, and digital literacy to prepare students for dynamic career opportunities,” Odubela stated.
NAPPS also requested policy support for private and public institutions, highlighting the need for skill-based learning and practical applications to empower Nigerian youth for self-sufficiency and economic growth.
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