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The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, has been named Most Innovative Cabinet Minister of the Year 2025 at the Silver Jubilee Awards organised by Independent Newspapers Limited in Lagos.
The award followed a competitive selection process involving cabinet members across sectors, combining nationwide public voting, independent jury assessment and editorial board review. Organisers said the recognition highlights exceptional leadership, innovative governance and measurable impact in public service delivery.
According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs Folasade Boriwo, on Monday, the honour comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s education sector under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which focuses on expanding access, improving quality and strengthening equity in education.
In about 18 months in office, Alausa has led several key initiatives, including the revitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote practical skills, entrepreneurship and employability among students.
The ministry has also increased investments in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM) education through rehabilitation programmes targeting medical schools and engineering faculties in federal universities of technology across the six geopolitical zones. The interventions include upgrades to laboratories, hostels and training facilities aimed at improving the capacity of health and technical professionals and addressing brain drain.
Other programmes introduced under his leadership include the Student Venture Capital Grant (S-VCG), which supports student-led innovations, and Diaspora Bridge, designed to connect Nigerian professionals abroad with institutions at home to strengthen academic collaboration.
Efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children have also intensified through inclusive education policies targeting underserved communities, while initiatives to promote girls’ education continue to expand access through scholarships, mentorship and improved learning environments.
Digital reforms have also been prioritised, with the introduction of the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI) to enhance real-time monitoring of schools, teachers and students, as well as improve planning, transparency and accountability. The expansion of e-learning platforms is also aimed at increasing access to quality education beyond traditional classrooms.
Teachers’ welfare and professional development have remained central to the reforms, alongside ongoing infrastructure improvements across schools nationwide.
Speaking on the award, Alausa expressed appreciation to Nigerians and the organisers, describing the recognition as a reflection of collective efforts to reposition the education sector.
He said, “This honour reflects the shared commitment to transforming education in Nigeria. While we appreciate the recognition, it also underscores the need to sustain momentum in delivering meaningful reforms for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
The Federal Ministry of Education said the award serves as motivation to accelerate reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with a focus on building a resilient, skills-driven and future-ready education system.