Minister Highlights Curriculum Overhaul, Teacher Professionalisation, Digital Learning as Core Priorities, Launches Reforms to Empower Learners
Lagos, Nigeria – The Federal Government has reiterated its resolve to revitalise Nigeria’s education sector, strengthen Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs), and equip students with the skills needed for national development and global competitiveness.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, made this known on Monday in Lagos while declaring open the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Federal Unity Colleges Principals, hosted by the Southwest zone.
Represented by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadiri, the Minister said the theme of the five-day meeting, “Education for Renewed Hope: Repositioning Secondary School Education for Economic Empowerment and National Development,” reflects the government’s vision of transforming schools into engines of innovation and empowerment.
“This gathering allows us to review progress, address challenges, and strengthen secondary education, particularly in FUCs, to drive Nigeria’s national development,” Ahmad stated.
She emphasised the need to move beyond rote learning, urging schools to nurture innovators, problem-solvers, and disciplined citizens equipped with entrepreneurial and civic values essential for national transformation.
Highlighting the link between education and national growth, Ahmad reaffirmed the government’s commitment to curriculum reforms, teacher professionalisation, and digital learning initiatives under the Renewed Hope education agenda.
She cited the introduction of the ‘Light Load, Stronger Minds’ curriculum, which aims to reduce subject overload, promote STEM education, vocational skills, and digital literacy.
“An empowered learner begets an empowered nation—creative, disciplined, and resilient to drive inclusive growth and renewed hope for Nigeria’s youth,” she added.
Ahmad commended the principals for their dedication and pledged continued policy direction, collaboration, and technical support to reposition secondary education for innovation and empowerment.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), Dr. Iyela Ajayi, stressed that no nation can rise above the quality of its education system. He underscored the importance of secondary education as the bridge between basic and tertiary levels.
“Education without resources is like a river without water,” Ajayi said, calling for increased funding, stronger teacher capacity, and improved infrastructure to sustain reforms.
He noted that the 2023 Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises skills integration, technology adoption, entrepreneurship, and STEM education to produce employable graduates.
Earlier, Chairman of the FUC Principals Forum, Shehu Dahiru, said the AGM provides a vital platform for reflection, collaboration, and innovation, enabling principals to share best practices and assess performance across colleges.
“Key focus areas include skills acquisition, STEM, digital literacy, teacher welfare, and partnerships to prepare students for innovation and global competitiveness,” Dahiru stated.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Enitan, urged principals to embrace global best practices and focus on skill-based education that promotes self-reliance and productivity.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s support through policy guidance and partnerships aimed at linking education with empowerment and economic growth.
“Equipping students with skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and civic values ensures productive participation in Nigeria’s economic transformation,” he said.
Vice-President General of the Unity Schools Old Students Association, Mrs. Chinedu Amure, described the meeting’s theme as timely and visionary, calling for collaboration between principals, alumni, policymakers, and the private sector to deliver a balanced and practical curriculum.
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She urged FUCs to uphold their legacy as symbols of national unity and excellence, while adapting to modern realities that demand creativity and job creation.
“Our students must be empowered to create jobs, not just seek them. That is how education drives national development,” Amure added.
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