The Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Maruf Alausa, has expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for conferring on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) during the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations in Abuja.

Alausa, who was among 102 distinguished Nigerians honoured by the president, described the recognition as a humbling moment and a validation of the work being done to reform the country’s education sector.

He said the honour also reflects the Tinubu administration’s commitment to educational transformation as part of its Renewed Hope Agenda.

“This honour by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a powerful reminder of our duty to the Nigerian people. It reflects not only my individual journey but also the collective dedication of all those committed to building a stronger, more equitable education system for our country,” Alausa said in a statement issued by his office.

The minister commended the president’s investment in key educational initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), expansion of technical and vocational training institutions, and digital infrastructure projects aimed at bridging the gap in access to learning.

He specifically praised the administration’s nationwide fibre-optic rollout, which he said would revolutionize digital learning and empower Nigerian students to compete globally.

Alausa said the digital transformation of the education system will help prepare the country’s youth to be both employable and future-ready.

Describing the national honour as a renewed call to service, Alausa pledged to intensify reforms that improve learning outcomes, teacher development, and access to inclusive and innovative education.

He emphasized the need to keep education at the center of national development efforts.

Alausa also reflected on his history as a pro-democracy activist during the 1990s military era, stating that the award was symbolic of the progress Nigeria has made in deepening democracy and recognizing those who contributed to its evolution.

“I dedicate this honour to the resilient Nigerian youth, to every teacher in our classrooms, and to all those who have supported the journey so far. We must now press forward with even greater commitment,” he said.

President Tinubu, in his Democracy Day address, described the honourees as individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the country’s growth. He emphasized the importance of honouring those whose service and sacrifice have helped shape the nation.

Alausa, the only serving minister among the 2025 national award recipients, has received widespread commendation for his ongoing efforts to reform the education sector, including curriculum modernization, scholarship expansion, and technology-driven learning strategies.