Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has reiterated the ministry’s commitment to investing in education to empower young Nigerians and promote sustainable economic growth.
Represented by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadiri, Prof Ahmad stated this at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Principals of Federal Unity Colleges, in Lagos.
The minister stressed that the theme for the AGM, ‘Education for Renewed Hope: Repositioning Secondary Education for Economic Empowerment and National Development,’ was timely and strategic, saying it highlighted the essential link between quality education, economic empowerment, and national development — ensuring equal access to education for all, particularly the girl-child and persons with special needs.
“The Ministry remains committed to investing in education to empower young Nigerians and promote sustainable economic growth. Our focus is on key reform areas—curriculum development, teacher professionalisation, and digital transformation—aims to revitalise Nigeria’s education system and align it with global best practices, thereby preparing our students for a knowledge-driven economy,” Ahmad said.
The minister also urged the principals to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and accountability in discharge their duties.
Reiterating the critical role of federal unity colleges in promoting education and national development, Prof Ahmad said, “We reaffirm our commitment to excellence, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge. Together, we can build a brighter future for our nation and empower the next generation of leaders.
“I assure you that concerted efforts are being made to reposition education as a key driver of economic growth and national development, ensuring the delivery of effective and equitable education that contributes to a strong, democratic, prosperous, indivisible, and sovereign nation,” she stated
The Executive Secretary, National Senior Secondary Education Commission, Dr Iyela Ajayi, in his address, stated that a secondary education system that is anchored on critical thinking, scientific enquiry, technological competence and entrepreneurial skills would serve as a catalyst for innovation and inclusive growth by investing in relevant, equitable and future-oriented education.
Ajayi said Nigeria can cultivate a generation of empowered youths capable of driving sustainable development, social cohesion and national resilience.
“The task of repositioning secondary school education for Renewed Hope is daunting but not insurmountable. It requires robust political will, strategic investment and most importantly, a committed visionary leadership,” he said.
He charged participants to return to their colleges and become the transformation catalyst. “Our students are not just students; they are the future inventors, entrepreneurs and leaders of this great nation. They hold the key to Nigeria’s renewed hope and economic prosperity. It is our sacred duty to provide them with an education that unlocks their potential and positions them to drive our national development,” Ajayi charged.
