The Federal Government on Monday launched three new national education policies, marking a shift from drafting policies to prioritising their execution across the country.
Speaking at the unveiling in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the ministry had adopted an 80 per cent implementation and 20 per cent policy development approach, aligning with global best practices. He emphasised that reforms must now translate into measurable improvements in schools nationwide.
Alausa acknowledged the support of international development partners such as UNESCO and UNICEF, noting that the new policies either strengthen existing frameworks or address areas previously lacking clear guidance.
He stressed that policy formulation accounts for only a fraction of the work, adding that state Commissioners of Education would lead the drive for implementation, while the Federal Government provides technical backing and resources.
The first policy unveiled was the National Teachers’ Policy and its implementation guidelines, aimed at raising teacher quality, enhancing competencies and expanding access to professional development. The minister disclosed plans to accelerate digital training for teachers and introduce an online platform for continuous learning. He added that efforts were underway to ensure all public school teachers obtain licensing from the Teachers Registration Council to boost student outcomes.
The second policy focuses on curbing drug and substance abuse in secondary schools and tertiary institutions. Alausa noted that it is the first national framework dedicated to this issue, combining preventive measures, counselling and behavioural support while also reserving sanctions for repeat offenders.
He said the third policy document will plug existing gaps in the education sector and ensure a more cohesive regulatory environment.
Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olorungbebe, who also spoke at the event, pledged full implementation at the state level. He reiterated that while the federal government sets the policies, effective execution lies with the states.
Olorungbebe added that the new reforms would be incorporated into states’ 2025 project plans, assuring that commissioners across the federation are committed to delivering tangible results.
“We’ll do our best to ensure full implementation. We are strategic and deliberate, and we intend to see these policies succeed,” he said.
