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Tag: Dr. Tunji Alausa

  • Fed Govt backs dual mandate to boost Colleges of Education enrolment

    Fed Govt backs dual mandate to boost Colleges of Education enrolment

    The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has urged stakeholders in Colleges of Education (COEs) to fully embrace the dual mandate that allows the institutions to award both bachelor’s degrees and National Certificate in Education (NCE) qualifications.

    According to him, this approach will boost enrolment, enhance the quality of teacher education, and eliminate the need to convert Colleges of Education into universities.

    Alausa made this call on Tuesday in Abuja during a follow-up meeting on the resolutions from the last biannual stakeholders’ meeting.

    He emphasised the need for reforms within Colleges of Education, underlining the importance of adapting to modern demands and technological advancements.

    The minister noted that traditional teaching methods are no longer sufficient, and urged educators to integrate technology, critical thinking, and computational skills into their curricula.

    “We once had a strong educational system, and that’s what we are working hard to restore. All hands are on deck to achieve this.

     “We must tackle the high number of out-of-school children and reduce learning poverty across the country. As teachers, you are at the centre of driving this change, and you must also challenge yourselves.

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     “The way we taught 30 or 50 years ago is no longer relevant. Education and teaching methods are evolving. You must start thinking about how to use technology in the classroom,” he said.

    Alausa stressed the need for educators to harness educational technology (edtech) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve teaching and learning outcomes.

    Addressing declining enrolment in Colleges of Education, he urged administrators and staff to support the ongoing reforms, warning that the survival of these institutions depends on their ability to adapt.

    “With this dual mandate, there is no need for conversion to university status.

     You should be the ones pushing for implementation, not the other way around. It’s a matter of your survival.

     “The government has secured the future of Colleges of Education. It is now up to you to sustain them. Failure to embrace this mandate could lead to extinction.

     “With this reform, there’s absolutely no justification for any College of Education to seek university status,” he added. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the reforms and improving the welfare of educators.

    He also announced that the dual mandate would take effect from the upcoming academic session in September, and encouraged institutions to prepare accordingly.

    In response, the President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Mr. Smart Olugbeko, noted that the success of the dual mandate hinges on addressing various challenges and complexities.

    He expressed optimism that the government would work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and improved quality in teacher education.

    The dual mandate, which permits Colleges of Education to award both degrees and NCE qualifications, was signed into law in 2023.

    The policy had been under discussion for years, with numerous committees recommending its adoption.

  • FG directs tertiary institutions to publicly advertise job vacancies

    FG directs tertiary institutions to publicly advertise job vacancies

    The federal government through the Ministry of Education has directed all tertiary institutions nationwide to henceforth advertise all job vacancies publicly.

    The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa gave the directive through a statement released by the Director of Press and Public Relations, FMoE, Boriowo Folasade on Thursday. 

    According to the statement, the directive is aimed at promoting transparency, equity, and open competition in the recruitment process of federal tertiary institutions.

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    It directed that federal institutions must publish available positions in widely accessible platforms to ensure equal access to all qualified Nigerians.

    “The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has directed all Federal Tertiary institutions that have been granted waivers to recruit staff to publicly advertise the available vacancies in at least one national daily newspaper, on their respective websites, and in other relevant academic and professional journals,” the statement read.

    The policy followed the recruitment waivers earlier granted to federal institutions based on manpower needs submitted to the ministry.

    “This follows the waivers granted to Federal Tertiary Institutions based on submissions made by these institutions concerning their manpower requirements, in line with the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing the capacity of our higher education institutions,” the statement noted.

    The ministry reminded institutions to submit their recruitment plans to the Committee on Waiver and Recruitment for prior review, stressing that failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.

    “The Ministry has put in place adequate mechanisms to ensure compliance and will not hesitate to apply sanctions against any institution that fails to adhere to this directive,” the statement added. 

  • We’ll tackle ‘Miracle Centres’ menace, boost TVET, says minister

    We’ll tackle ‘Miracle Centres’ menace, boost TVET, says minister

    The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, says the federal government is determined to sanitise the nation’s educational system.

    Alausa, who was a guest on Channels Television Programme on Tuesday, added that the federal government was set to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Trainings (TVET).

    Miracle Examination Centres (MECs) are private secondary schools in Nigeria that facilitate exam fraud. 

    They are known for promising students success in their final exams, regardless of their actual merit.

    “We have problem with examination malpractice which we are addressing frontally as a government,” he said.

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    Alausa argued that allowing students to cheat during exams is a disservice to other who work genuinely hard to earn good grades.

    According to the minister, the quality of the nation’s tertiary system is better as the government has worked on a plan to train five universities that would also training the other public institutions nationwide.

    “This is not acceptable because if you let people cheat, you will disincentivise the hardworking people.

    “We will tackle this issue of miracle centre, this pervasive exam cheating decisively. We would bring a complete end to this menace that has really invaded our educational system,” he added.

    On the technical and vocational skills, Alausa said: “You go to the UK, or the US today, a plumber earns more than a doctor. If an electrician in England earns more than a doctor, so what are you talking about here?” the minister quizzed when he was featured on Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today. 

    “So, we want to now bring this pool of workers back. So what we’re doing with technical and vocational education is that we’ve laid out a four-step approach here.

    “We would pay students to go to those schools. We’ve modeled how much we’re going to pay them when we roll the programme out. We’ll be announcing that. we’ll pay them to go to school. That’s step one.”

  • FG vows to upgrade unity schools nationwide

    FG vows to upgrade unity schools nationwide

    The federal government has committed to raising the standards of Unity Schools across the country, beginning with improved infrastructure, leadership, and student welfare.

    Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this assurance during a surprise inspection of Queens College, Yaba, Lagos.

    A statement issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, noted that the visit aimed to assess the school’s condition and address its challenges.

    Interacting with students, teachers, and Principal Mrs. Obabori, Dr. Alausa acknowledged the strain on the nearly century-old institution and pledged reforms to meet modern educational demands.

    Alausa said the commitment aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of delivering improved education to all Nigerians. 

    He assured that Queens College, alongside other Unity Schools, would receive the necessary support to foster excellence in learning environments

    He stressed the urgent need for significant upgrades to accommodate its growing student population effectively. 

    “In response, the Federal Ministry of Education will work closely with Queens College and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to design, renovate, and construct new facilities, including a library, dining areas, hostels, and classrooms.

    “This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish standard capacities across all Unity Schools and Federal Government Colleges, ensuring optimal student-to-teacher ratios, adequate resources, and conducive boarding and feeding arrangements,” the statement said. 

    The minister expressed gratitude to the school’s leadership, staff, and students for their warm reception and pledged to advocate for better welfare packages for teachers and enhanced learning outcomes for students.

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    “In the coming months, Dr. Alausa will extend his assessment to other Unity Schools and Federal Government Colleges through similar unannounced visits. This proactive approach underscores the Federal Ministry of Education’s resolve to ensure that every Unity School benefits from robust infrastructure, effective leadership, and a focus on student welfare,” the statement added. 

    The Principal of Queens College, Mrs. Oyindamola Obabori, appreciated the Minister’s visit, stating: “This morning, we were honored to welcome the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, to Queen’s College on an unexpected visit.

    “His arrival coincided with our morning assembly, which he joined and participated in, delighting both staff and students. After addressing the students and teachers, we took him on a tour of our facilities, including the kitchen, hostels, clinic, classrooms, and hall, where he observed students taking their exams.

    “The Honourable Minister expressed satisfaction with our preparedness and organisation, commending our efforts and recognising Queen’s College as a standard for educational excellence, while also offering constructive suggestions for improvement and assuring us of the ministry’s support.”

  • NANS hails Tinubu over redeployment of Alausa as Education Minister

    NANS hails Tinubu over redeployment of Alausa as Education Minister

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), West Africa Affairs has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for redeplpying Dr. Tunji Alausa as Minister of Education.

    The body expressed confidence that Alausa’s wealth of experience, dedication and passion for advancing education sector will bring about positive reforms in coming years.

    A statement by the Director, West Africa Affairs NANS Diaspora, Com. Joshua Olakunle also congratulated Alausa on his redeployment, saying under his leadership, students will witness transformative changes that will further enhance quality of education, ensuring its accessibility, inclusivity, and global competitiveness.

    He appealed to Alausa to revisit the ban on recognition of certificates from institutions in Togo and Benin Republics, saying the decision has affected large number of students and parents who have invested significant resources in their children’s education in these countries. 

    According to him, suspension of certificates from these institutions has created uncertainty and emotional distress for both students and parents who are now faced with possibility of their years of academic pursuit being nullified.

    He said: “We urge you to consider the financial implications and the sacrifices made by Nigerian families, many of whom took loans and other financial risks to provide their children with quality education outside the country. 

    “By lifting this ban, you would be offering these students a second chance to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development without their academic achievements being invalidated.

    “While we understand the need for standards and regulations, we appeal for a balanced approach that considers the future of thousands of students who are affected by this ban. We believe that with your proactive leadership, a solution that safeguards educational standards and recognizes these institutions can be reached.

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    “Furthermore, we would like to express that NANS Diaspora is ready and willing to work collaboratively with your office to help put in place the necessary academic standards for institutions in Togo and Benin Republics. 

    “We are committed to ensuring that Nigerian students studying in these countries receive quality education that meets internationally recognized benchmarks. Together, we can establish systems that uphold educational excellence while protecting the interests of Nigerian students abroad.

    “We trust that your administration will find a balanced solution that benefits all stakeholders, and we look forward to working with you in this regard. We wish you a successful and impactful tenure.”