Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has, in his message at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, stated that Nigeria’s education transformation is no longer a domestic affair alone, but a global mission that requires strategic partnerships, bold reforms, and sustained commitment.

He said his engagements at the Assembly were more than symbolic appearances, but deliberate steps to complement the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda by anchoring Nigeria’s reforms in broader global education movement alliances.

According to a statement, he put forward an African vision for education, while projecting Nigeria’s strategic advantage, pointing out that Alausa’s first major engagement was a bilateral meeting with Namibian President, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, alongside Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

The statement quoted the minister concerning the session: “Our discussions reinforced the shared vision of Nigeria and Namibia in strengthening cooperation across education, knowledge exchange, and continental development. I remain committed to deepening these partnerships as we work together to build a stronger and more prosperous Africa.”

On the sidelines of UNGA, Alausa also reportedly joined Shettima in a strategic engagement with Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“The Gates Foundation meeting became the point where innovation met reform.

“Our discussions centred on strengthening partnerships to accelerate progress in Nigeria’s education sector, particularly around expanding access, improving learning outcomes, and ensuring that our reforms under the NESRI six-point agenda deliver measurable impact for children and youths,” it stated.

It noted that for a nation grappling with one of the world’s highest out-of-school children populations, the partnership signals a lifeline. The statement noted that the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) financing campaign became a major turning point, when Alausa took part in the launch of the 5th Financing Campaign of the GPE 2026–2030, co-hosted by President Bola Tinubu and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Identifying education as the “heart of sustainable development, peace, and prosperity,” Alausa joined global leaders in reaffirming education as the central driver of stability and growth. His intervention at the panel discussion went beyond rhetoric; it was an urgent call to action, he added.