Alausa urges diaspora Nigerians to support education reforms

Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa has urged Nigerians living abroad to actively support education reforms in Nigeria. Speaking at the grand finale of the African Cultural Festival in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Alausa emphasized the importance of partnerships with Nigerians in the diaspora for research, innovation, technology transfer, and strengthening the nation's human capital.

He encouraged academic experts, researchers, professionals, and institutions to participate in various activities such as mentoring, joint research, curriculum development, technology transfer, and institutional collaborations. Alausa stressed that contributing to Nigeria's development does not necessitate permanent relocation and highlighted the BRIDGE programme as an opportunity for diaspora professionals to connect with global expertise.

The minister noted that the government's education transformation agenda encompassed all levels of education, from basic to tertiary, and aimed to prepare Nigerian youth for the rapidly changing global economy. The reforms included measures like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, expanded technical and vocational training, curriculum modernisation, medical education, teacher development, and investments in critical infrastructure.

Alausa called for diaspora involvement in these initiatives, stressing the importance of knowledge exchange, research, faculty development, technology transfer, and university-industry linkages.