In a significant move to bolster the nation’s education sector, the Minister for Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has inaugurated newly appointed principal officers for three key institutions—the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, marks a new chapter for these institutions as the government intensified efforts to improve educational standards and expand access to quality learning across Nigeria.
Addressing the newly appointed officers, Dr. Alausa charged them with the responsibility of ensuring efficient and effective administration of their respective organizations.
He emphasized the need for them to immediately assume office and implement policies that would enhance the delivery of quality education in alignment with the government’s vision.
Of particular note was Dr. Alausa’s directive to the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of FUMMSA. He urged the Vice-Chancellor and the university’s leadership team to commence full academic operations by September 2025.
According to Dr. Alausa, establishing the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences is a crucial step in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare and medical education gaps.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to providing the necessary support to ensure a successful takeoff.
“This administration recognizes the vital role medical education plays in strengthening our healthcare system,” Dr. Alausa said. “I am directing the Vice-Chancellor and the entire university management to prioritize preparations for the institution’s commencement and ensure that FUMMSA opens its doors to students by September 2025. The government will provide the required infrastructure and resources to facilitate a seamless takeoff.”
The minister also underscored the importance of FUMMSA’s establishment in addressing the shortage of medical professionals in the country, noting that the institution will produce skilled healthcare workers capable of meeting both local and international demands.
Dr. Alausa also tasked the new leadership of NABTEB with improving the administration of technical and vocational examinations to meet global standards. He called on the board’s officials to develop innovative approaches to assess and certify technical skills, which he described as essential to Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement.
“The world is rapidly evolving, and we must equip our students with practical skills that meet current and future needs,” he said. “NABTEB plays a critical role in fostering technical and vocational excellence, and I expect the new leadership to drive reforms that will position the board as a model for technical assessment across Africa.”
For UBEC, the minister emphasized the critical role the commission plays in implementing basic education policies across the country. He urged the new leadership to strengthen collaborations with state governments to ensure the Universal Basic Education (UBE) program achieves its objectives.
“Every Nigerian child deserves access to quality basic education,” Dr. Alausa remarked. “UBEC must work closely with state governments to bridge educational gaps and ensure no child is left behind, especially in underserved communities.”
During his address, Dr. Alausa highlighted the government’s broader agenda to transition Nigeria from a resource-based economy to an education-driven economy. He noted that the country’s economic outlook had improved and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to investing in human capital development as a strategy for sustained economic growth.
“Our economy has changed for the better, and education will be the backbone of our long-term progress,” he stated. “We are shifting focus from a reliance on natural resources to developing a knowledge-based economy where education will drive innovation, productivity, and national prosperity.”
The minister also expressed confidence that with competent leadership in place, the education sector would experience transformative changes that would positively impact future generations.
Reiterating the government’s dedication to improving the quality of education, Dr. Alausa called on the new appointees to uphold integrity, transparency, and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
Dr. Tunji Alausa
He assured them of the ministry’s full support and urged them to implement policies that align with national goals for educational development.
“The future of Nigeria rests on the quality of education we provide today,” he concluded. “I expect nothing less than excellence from each of you. Your work will shape the future of our young people and our nation as a whole.”
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Education, representatives from the newly inaugurated institutions, and other dignitaries from the education sector.
With the appointment of these new principal officers, stakeholders anticipate a renewed focus on improving the quality, accessibility, and relevance of education in Nigeria.
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