The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, has been named Most Innovative Cabinet Minister of the Year 2025 at the Silver Jubilee Awards organised by Independent Newspapers Limited in Lagos.
The award, according to the Federal Ministry of Education, followed a selection process involving nationwide public voting, independent jury assessment and editorial board review, recognising leadership, innovation and measurable impact in public service.
The ministry linked the recognition to ongoing reforms under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, citing progress in Technical and Vocational Education and Training, expansion of STEMM education, and intervention programmes targeted at strengthening tertiary institutions.
It said major initiatives under Alausa’s leadership include the Medical Schools Rehabilitation Programme, the Engineering and Technology Faculties Rehabilitation Programme, the Student Venture Capital Grant and Diaspora Bridge, all aimed at improving access, boosting innovation and strengthening human capital development.
The ministry also highlighted intensified efforts to tackle out-of-school children, support girls’ education, strengthen teacher development and improve education planning through the Nigerian Education Data Infrastructure.
Reacting to the award, Alausa described the recognition as a reflection of collective efforts to reposition Nigeria’s education sector, while reaffirming commitment to sustaining reforms.
“I sincerely thank Nigerians, the organisers, and the judges for this honour. It reflects the collective effort to reposition education in our country,” he said.
The ministry said the award would serve as renewed motivation to accelerate reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
