Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete has commended Nigeria’s ongoing education reforms under Tunji Alausa, minister of education, describing the changes as evidence of the country’s commitment to improving learning outcomes and strengthening its education system.
Kikwete, who is chairman of the board of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), spoke in Abuja on Wednesday during a meeting with Alausa.
He congratulated the minister on the progress recorded in the education sector and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s growing role in shaping the global education agenda.
“Minister, thank you for your time. Congratulations on the efforts you are making,” Kikwete said.
The former Tanzanian president also expressed optimism about the global education summit scheduled for September, which President Bola Tinubu is expected to co-chair with Giorgia Meloni, Italian prime minister.
The summit is expected to focus on mobilising greater global investment and strengthening international partnerships to improve access to quality education through the GPE.
Kikwete said Nigeria’s growing influence within the GPE is significant, noting that Alausa’s membership of the GPE board reflects the country’s active contribution to shaping global education priorities and expanding access to quality learning for children.
Responding, Alausa thanked Kikwete for his contributions to education and leadership development in Africa.
“Thank you, Mr President, for all your service to Africa, to the world, and to the children of the world for all the things you continue to do to support foundational education,” the minister said.
Alausa also acknowledged Kikwete’s efforts to promote leadership development across the continent, saying his commitment to empowering young leaders continues to inspire transformative leadership and sustainable development.
The minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to deepening education reforms under the renewed hope agenda of Tinubu through stronger partnerships, increased investment and evidence-based policies.
He said the reforms are aimed at improving learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education for Nigerian children.
Alausa added that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to collaborate with the GPE and other international partners to build a resilient, inclusive and future-ready education system.
He said such partnerships would help equip Nigerian learners with the knowledge, skills and opportunities required to succeed in the 21st century.
