The Federal Government introduced three new national education policies, marking a move from policy formulation to hands-on implementation across the country.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known on Monday in Abuja during the official unveiling of the new policies. He explained that the ministry had adopted a new approach focusing 80% on execution and 20% on policy development bringing Nigeria in line with global education standards.
Alausa emphasized that real educational reforms must yield visible results in all states, adding that creating policies alone is not enough to drive transformation in the sector.
He appreciated international partners like UNESCO and UNICEF for their ongoing support in improving Nigeria’s education system.
The new policies, he said, either build on existing structures or fill previous policy gaps. State governors and commissioners will be at the forefront of executing the reforms, while the Federal Government will provide technical assistance and resources.
The first policy presented was the National Teachers’ Policy, including its implementation guide. This policy focuses on enhancing teacher quality, boosting skills, and encouraging ongoing professional development. Alausa revealed that teacher training is now being digitized, with a digital platform set to launch soon. He also said all public school teachers will eventually be licensed by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.
The second document was the National Policy on Drug and Substance Abuse in Schools the first of its kind in Nigeria. It targets secondary and tertiary institutions with a framework that includes counseling, behavioral support, and strict penalties for repeat offenders.
Alausa underlined the importance of protecting young people from the dangers of addiction, affirming President Tinubu’s dedication to youth welfare.
Kwara State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Olorungbebe, assured that states are fully prepared to implement the policies. He noted that while policies are introduced at the federal level, their success depends on effective execution by states. He added that most implementation steps align with existing state plans for 2025 and pledged the commitment of education commissioners nationwide to achieving meaningful outcomes.
