By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has urged Nigerians to uphold unity, patriotism and shared responsibility as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Alausa made the call in his Independence Day message issued on Thursday in Abuja, saying the anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since independence.
He said the occasion also offered Nigerians an opportunity to celebrate their shared identity and renew their commitment to building a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
According to him, education remains fundamental to human capital development, social mobility, innovation and sustainable national development.
The minister expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and continued support for the education sector and human capital development.
Alausa said the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), was advancing reforms and investments aimed at expanding access to education and strengthening educational institutions.
He said the initiative was also focused on supporting learners, improving teacher quality, promoting technical and vocational education and equipping young Nigerians with relevant knowledge and skills.
“More work is required to strengthen foundational learning, improve teacher development and expand skills and technical education,” he said.
The minister added that the country must promote research and innovation while providing safe, conducive and supportive learning environments for every Nigerian child.
He said he remained committed to working with governments at all levels, teachers, parents, students, education stakeholders and development partners to build an accessible, equitable and innovative education system.
Alausa urged young Nigerians to remain hopeful, disciplined and committed to excellence, stressing that their knowledge, character, creativity and skills were essential to the development of the nation.
He said young people were not only “leaders of tomorrow” but important participants in shaping the Nigeria of today.
The minister called on Nigerians to continue to uphold unity, patriotism, service and a shared sense of responsibility, noting that the Nigeria they desired was a collective responsibility.
He said education remained one of the strongest foundations for achieving the aspirations of the country and ensuring that citizens were adequately prepared to contribute to national development.
Alausa congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on the 66th Independence Anniversary and commended the courage and resilience that continued to define the nation.
He urged citizens to remain committed to the ideals of nation-building and contribute positively to the peace, unity and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, saying, “Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!”
The minister prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu and all Nigerians, while wishing the country greater progress, peace and prosperity. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
Comments