Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu, has announced a special scholarship fund worth over N4 billion, in a significant initiative to revitalize the teaching profession and boost interest in education-related courses.
The fund will support students pursuing National Certificates of Education and other education-related degrees at tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
In a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, the Minister made the announcement during a meeting with UNESCO officials, led by Abdourahmane Diallo, the UNESCO Country Representative to Nigeria.
The meeting underscored collaborative efforts and upcoming projects aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s educational system.
Dr. Sununu expressed deep gratitude to UNESCO for their support, highlighting the crucial role such partnerships play in achieving Nigeria’s educational objectives.
He emphasized the importance of delivering high-quality education that equips Nigerian youth with the skills and character needed for success both locally and globally.
He also stressed the need for data-driven planning and the effective distribution of resources to tackle existing challenges.
Abdourahmane Diallo provided updates on UNESCO’s current and future projects in Nigeria, including a new initiative focused on building teachers’ capacity.
This five-year project, part of the DOTs program, has a budget of €5 million and will run from 2024 to 2028. It aims to benefit the Federal Ministry of Education and six states: Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Katsina, Oyo, and Plateau.
Additionally, Diallo mentioned other initiatives, such as a Japan-sponsored project for teacher development and the “Better Education for Africa’s Rise” (BEAR) project, Phase III, which promotes improved TVET systems in West Africa, with Kano chosen for agriculture and post-harvest processing initiatives.
Diallo announced an upcoming conference in Paris on June 17, where global leaders, including representatives from Nigeria, will review progress and mobilize efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) – Quality Education. This conference aims to accelerate progress in the education sector.
Dr. Sununu reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s education sector through strategic partnerships and innovative projects. He announced that the Ministry will appoint a focal point officer and establish a steering committee for the UNESCO project, marking a significant milestone in this collaborative effort.
