FG unveils education reforms to boost skills, digital learning

The Federal Government has announced a major overhaul of Nigeria’s education system, focusing on skills development, digital learning, research, and the creative economy as part of efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The reforms were highlighted at the Renewed Hope Conversations held at the University of Abuja, where the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, engaged stakeholders on the direction of education policy in the country.

He said Nigeria is transitioning from a largely theory-based academic structure to one driven by practical skills, innovation, and technology, adding that the goal is to align the system with global standards and labour market demands.

According to him, emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, and digital technologies are being introduced into school curricula, alongside expanded entrepreneurship programmes aimed at helping students build job-creating ventures rather than depend solely on employment.

Digital infrastructure and learning support

Alausa also disclosed that the government is investing in digital infrastructure across institutions, including mini-grid power solutions, free internet access, and learning management systems.

These initiatives, he said, are being supported by a nationwide fibre rollout designed to improve connectivity and enable more efficient digital learning in tertiary and technical institutions.

He added that strengthening digital access remains central to bridging inequality in education delivery, particularly between urban and rural institutions.

Expansion of technical and research programmes

The government is also scaling up Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), with over 160,000 beneficiaries already recorded. Officials say demand for the programme continues to rise as more young people shift towards skills-based training.

To further support innovation, the Federal Government is introducing a Student Venture Capital Grant to help young innovators develop and scale their ideas.

Plans are also underway for a National Research and Development Fund, which is expected to improve funding for research and encourage the commercialisation of academic and scientific work.

The minister said the reforms are part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to reposition education as a foundation for economic growth, innovation, and youth empowerment.

He added that the long-term objective is to ensure Nigerian graduates are not only employable but also equipped to create solutions that respond to both local and global challenges.

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