Maruf Olatunji Alausa, Minister of Education, has received international commendation for the reforms being implemented in Nigeria’s education sector, with Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former President of Tanzania and Chairman of the Board of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), applauding the country’s efforts to improve learning outcomes and strengthen education systems.

Kikwete gave the commendation during a meeting with the minister, where he congratulated Alausa on the progress being recorded across the education sector and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s growing leadership in advancing the global education agenda.

According to a statement issued by Ikharo Attah, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, the former Tanzanian president described the ongoing reforms as a strong demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to expanding access to quality education.

“Minister, thank you for your time. Congratulations on the efforts you are making,” Kikwete said.

The former African leader also expressed optimism 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 summit is expected to mobilise increased global investment and deepen international partnerships in support of quality education through the Global Partnership for Education.

As Chairman of the GPE Board, Kikwete acknowledged Nigeria’s growing influence within the partnership, noting that Alausa’s membership of the Board reflects the country’s active role in shaping global education priorities and expanding access to quality learning for children.

Responding, Alausa expressed appreciation to the former Tanzanian president for his contributions to education and leadership development across Africa.

“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 enduring commitment to nurturing future leaders, describing his efforts as an inspiration for transformative leadership and sustainable development across the continent.

Alausa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening education reforms under President Bola 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.

He said the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to work closely with the Global Partnership for Education and other international development partners to build a resilient, inclusive and future-ready education system.

According to the minister, the government’s objective is to equip Nigerian learners with the knowledge, skills and opportunities required to thrive in the 21st-century global economy while ensuring that no child is left behind in the country’s education reform efforts.