By Sesi Noah The Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, has reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government is committed to keeping studen...
By Sesi Noah
The Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, has reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government is committed to keeping students in school, despite concerns about a possible strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
“We will keep our children in school,” Alausa told journalists on Wednesday at the Gender Inclusion Summit in Abuja.
His comments come as the government continues discussions with ASUU over the long-standing 2009 ASUU-FG agreement, which covers issues like funding for universities, unpaid salary arrears, delayed promotions, and unremitted deductions.
Alausa stressed that the government is engaging with ASUU and other unions “with the highest level of respect,” insisting there was no need to publicise private negotiations. “ASUU will not go on strike,” he assured. “This is a responsible government, and we will ensure our children remain in school.”
The minister also highlighted reforms aimed at improving education, including the shift of WAEC and NECO exams to computer-based testing (CBT). He explained that this move is designed to curb exam malpractice and improve learning outcomes.
“Cheating discourages hardworking students, and we have more hardworking students than those who cut corners,” he said. “That’s why we’re moving quickly with CBT.”
According to him, WAEC will roll out CBT for objective questions by November 2025, while essay papers will remain on paper. By next year, both sections will be fully computer-based. He also promised measures to ensure students in rural areas and children with disabilities are not left behind, including providing transportation to exam centres with the right facilities.
At the same summit, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted progress in women’s empowerment, revealing that women now lead over 40% of Nigeria’s key commercial banks and hold 22% of leadership positions nationally — above the global average.
She noted that reforms in states like Adamawa have expanded women’s rights to own land, inherit property, and participate in traditional decision-making. She also pointed to strides in political representation, citing a 19-year-old female councillor elected in Rivers State as an example of rising young female leaders.
The summit, themed “New Voices and New Approaches for Accelerating an Inclusive Society,” brought together policymakers, business leaders, and innovators to push for systemic change. Speakers, including Udeme Ufot, Chairman of the Policy Innovation Centre, and Niyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, emphasised the importance of listening to marginalised voices — from rural women to young entrepreneurs — and using innovation to break barriers.
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