Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has been named Most Innovative Cabinet Minister of the Year 2025 by Independent Newspapers Limited.

Alausa received the award on Saturday at a ceremony held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. He was represented by the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Ishaq Oloyede.

In a statement posted on X after the event, Alausa said he accepted the recognition with humility, describing it as a reflection of collective efforts to reform Nigeria’s education sector rather than a personal achievement.

Key initiatives under his leadership include the strengthening of technical and vocational education and training (TVET), expansion of education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical sciences (STEMM), and the introduction of the Student Venture Capital Grant aimed at supporting student innovators.

The ministry has also established the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure (NEDI) and expanded the Tertiary Institution Staff Support Fund (TISSF). A formal agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which took effect on January 1, 2026, has contributed to stabilising university operations.

Alausa attributed the progress to what he described as a “one-government approach”, involving collaboration with federal ministries, agencies under the education ministry, and subnational governments.

These reforms are part of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), launched under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the minister, TVET programmes have disbursed N2.97 billion in stipends to about 160,000 young Nigerians, while an additional N4.6 billion has been allocated for skills training centres. Biometric attendance systems have also been introduced to improve accountability.

The STEMM-focused Student Venture Capital Grant offers up to N50 million per qualifying project for full-time undergraduate students in 300 level and above, alongside mentorship and incubation support. A separate N1 billion fund supports students in public polytechnics pursuing STEM and vocational training.

Alausa, a nephrologist by training, was redeployed as education minister in October 2024. Since then, he has prioritised a shift from rote learning to skills-based education, increased funding, and improved data systems for planning and oversight.

The award was part of the Silver Jubilee celebration marking the 25th anniversary of Independent Newspapers Limited, which recognised contributions across business, politics and public service.

While acknowledging ongoing challenges in the education sector, Alausa said reforms are gaining traction and implementation is progressing steadily.

“There is still much to do but the direction is clear. And we are moving” he said