ALAUSA URGES DIASPORA NIGERIANS TO SUPPORT EDUCATION REFORMS
Read Time:2 Minute, 31 Second
By; Sunmola Ganiyat
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has called on Nigerians living abroad to contribute their expertise and resources towards strengthening Nigeria’s education sector.
Alausa made the appeal in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, during the grand finale of the African Cultural Festival, themed “The Great Reunion: Culture, Education, and Collaboration.”
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, the minister said Nigerians in the diaspora could play a significant role in advancing education, research, innovation and technology transfer in the country.
He urged Nigerian academics, researchers, professionals and institutions abroad to support the sector through mentorship, research partnerships, specialised lectures, curriculum development, institutional collaborations and technology transfer.
Alausa also encouraged diaspora professionals to participate in the BRIDGE programme, which stands for Bridging Research, Innovation, Development and Global Expertise and seeks to connect Nigerian institutions with international expertise.
The minister stressed that contributing to Nigeria’s development does not require Nigerians abroad to permanently return home, noting that meaningful contributions could be made through both physical and virtual engagements.
He said the Federal Government’s education reform agenda covers the entire education value chain, including basic, secondary, technical, vocational and tertiary education.
According to him, initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, expansion of technical and vocational education, curriculum reforms, medical education, teacher development and investment in laboratories, simulation centres and other infrastructure are part of efforts to improve access and quality.
Alausa said the reforms were designed to equip Nigerian youths with relevant skills for a rapidly changing global economy.
He added that diaspora professionals could complement these efforts by connecting Nigerian institutions with international research networks, emerging technologies and global best practices.
The minister also highlighted areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and health sciences as fields where international partnerships could enhance learning and research.
He said such collaborations could improve laboratory-based training, strengthen faculty capacity, expand research opportunities and help graduates acquire skills that meet industry needs.
During the festival, Alausa also engaged with DuduPlugs, an initiative focused on helping young Africans develop their talents, culture, ideas and intellectual property while building stronger links with the global community.
The organisation’s CEO, Wole Adeniyi, described the engagement as an opportunity to strengthen cultural diplomacy and educational cooperation between Nigeria and the United States.
Adeniyi said DuduPlugs plans to develop a legacy programme focused on technology transfer, modern innovation and robotics for Nigerians.
Alausa’s visit to Harrisburg also coincided with his recognition as the African Cultural Festival’s 2026 Man of the Year and the presentation of the Key to the City of Harrisburg.
The minister dedicated the recognition to President Bola Tinubu, education officials, stakeholders and Nigerian youths, saying the honour reflected collective efforts to transform the country’s education sector.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to creating opportunities for Nigerians at home and abroad to contribute to national development, stressing that improving education requires collaboration among government, educators, industry, communities and the diaspora.
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