Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, has emerged as the Most Innovative Cabinet Minister of the Year 2025 at the Silver Jubilee Awards organised by Independent Newspapers Limited in Lagos.
He was selected following a competitive process involving public voting, jury assessment and editorial review, with the award recognising excellence in leadership, innovation and public service impact.
In a statement by the Director of Press, Boriowo Folashade, the minister expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a reflection of collective efforts to reposition the education sector.
“I sincerely thank Nigerians, the organisers and the judges for this honour. It reflects our shared commitment to improving education in Nigeria. This recognition also reminds us that much work remains, and we are fully committed to sustaining reforms that will secure a better future for Nigerian children,” he said.
The Federal Ministry of Education said the award comes amid ongoing reforms under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), aimed at expanding access, improving quality and strengthening equity.
According to the ministry, key achievements include the revitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), expanded investment in STEMM education, rehabilitation of tertiary institutions, and student-focused initiatives such as the Student Venture Capital Grant and Diaspora Bridge programme.
It added that efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children and strengthen girls’ education are being intensified, while digital tools like the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI) are improving planning and accountability.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to driving reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at building a stronger, skills-driven education system for national development.
