The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalising the education sector and enhancing Federal Unity Colleges’ performance nationwide.
Represented by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadiri, Ahmad spoke on Monday at the opening of the 2025 Annual General Meeting of FUC Principals in Ikeja.
The five-day meeting, hosted by the Southwest zone, gathered principals from all six geopolitical zones and key stakeholders in the education sector.
Ahmad said the meeting, themed ‘Education for Renewed Hope: Repositioning Secondary School Education for Economic Empowerment and National Development,’ provides a platform to assess progress and reposition FUCs for development.
“This gathering allows us to review progress, address challenges, and strengthen secondary education, particularly in FUCs, to drive Nigeria’s national development,” she said.
She stressed the need for schools to go beyond rote learning by nurturing innovators, problem-solvers, and citizens equipped with entrepreneurial and civic values for national transformation.
Ahmad highlighted the link between education, empowerment, and growth, urging equal access for all learners while calling on principals to uphold discipline and integrity.
“You are the face of the Ministry in your schools; your leadership must reflect excellence and service,” she said.
Reiterating government commitment, Ahmad mentioned ongoing reforms in curriculum development, teacher professionalisation, and digital learning to build a knowledge-driven economy.
She cited the ‘Light Load, Stronger Minds’ curriculum reform aimed at reducing subject overload, deepening core competencies, and promoting STEM, vocational, and digital learning pathways.
“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 assured continued policy direction, collaboration, and technical support to reposition secondary education for innovation and empowerment.
The Executive Secretary, National Senior Secondary Education Commission, Dr Iyela Ajayi, said no nation can rise above the quality of its education system.
He noted that secondary education bridges basic and tertiary levels, preparing youth for higher learning and the workforce.
Ajayi said the 2023 Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises secondary education reforms through skills integration, technology, entrepreneurship, and STEM to produce employable graduates.
He emphasised the need for increased funding to tackle poor infrastructure and limited resources. “Education without resources is like a river without water,” he said.
