Former President of Tanzania and Chairman of the Board of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, has praised Nigeria’s ongoing education reforms under the leadership of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, describing them as a clear demonstration of the country’s commitment to improving learning outcomes and strengthening its education system.
Kikwete gave the commendation during a meeting with the minister ahead of the Global Education Summit scheduled for September, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to co-chair the high-level meeting alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The former Tanzanian leader congratulated Alausa on the progress being recorded in Nigeria’s education sector and expressed confidence in the country’s growing leadership role in advancing the global education agenda.
“Minister, thank you for your time. Congratulations on the efforts you are making,” Kikwete said.
He noted that Nigeria’s active participation in the Global Partnership for Education, including Alausa’s membership of the GPE Board, reflects the country’s increasing influence in shaping global education priorities and expanding access to quality education.
Kikwete also expressed optimism that the forthcoming Global Education Summit would mobilise greater international investment and stronger partnerships to improve education worldwide.
Responding, Alausa thanked the former Tanzanian President for his contributions to education and leadership development across Africa and beyond.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for all your service to Africa, to the world, and to the children of the world for all the things you continue to do to support foundational education,” the minister said.
He also acknowledged Kikwete’s continued efforts in mentoring and developing young leaders across the continent, describing his commitment as an inspiration for transformative leadership and sustainable development.
Alausa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing education reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through stronger partnerships, increased investment and evidence-based policies aimed at improving learning outcomes and expanding access to quality education.
The minister assured that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to collaborate with the Global Partnership for Education and other international development partners to build an inclusive, resilient and future-ready education system capable of equipping Nigerian learners with the skills needed to thrive in the 21st century.
The commendation comes as Nigeria prepares to play a prominent role at the September Global Education Summit, reinforcing its commitment to global cooperation in advancing quality education.
