Minister reaffirms FG’s commitment to revitalizing education sector

The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to revitalizing the education sector, emphasizing its role as a driver of national growth and innovation.

Speaking at the opening of Bayero University Kano‘s 7th Annual Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Conference on Friday, Dr Suwaiba lauded the efforts of the Centre for Gender Studies (CGS) in fostering sustainability through education. 

The minister reiterated that the CGS’s ESD initiative aligns perfectly with the vision for the education sector.

She stated, “By integrating sustainability into educational curricula, we are preparing our students to tackle the pressing challenges of our time, including climate change, poverty, and inequality.” 

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She expressed her commitment to the program, pledging the ministry’s support to ensure its continued success.

“As Minister of State for Education, I am committed to supporting the ESD program and ensuring that our educational institutions are not just centres of learning but also hubs of innovation and change.

“This means investing in infrastructure, providing quality teaching materials, and fostering an environment where students can thrive,” she added. 

SolaceBase reports that Dr Suwaiba also highlighted the federal government’s broader efforts to transform tertiary institutions into agents of sustainable development.

Earlier, BUK Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sagir Adamu Abbas commended the centre for organising the conference describing it as timely and apt.

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Abbas said the university established the centre as part of the deliberate effort to promote societal growth and development and thanked them for keeping to the mission and vision.

Professor Abbas said the Management is always ready to support the activities of the Centre.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Professor Salisu Shehu who is the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council said poor leadership is the bane of the country’s development.

He charged leaders to be honest and transparent in all their undertakings.

“Education goes beyond acquiring knowledge; it is about shaping minds to create a sustainable future,” she noted, emphasizing that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda reflects a genuine commitment to national transformation. 

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The Director of the Centre for Gender Studies, Dr Safiya Nuhu Ahmed, provided an overview of the ESD program’s achievements since its inception in 2017.

She noted that over 300 students from more than 20 tertiary institutions have been empowered through the initiative. 

“The project equips students with skills to address sustainable development goals (SDGs), such as reducing inequalities and combating climate change,” Dr Safiya explained.

She added that, “By integrating innovative techniques and mentorship, the program enables youth to contribute to poverty alleviation, food security, and gender mainstreaming.” 

She emphasized that BUK is the pioneer university in Nigeria to implement an annual ESD training program, ensuring students understand the opportunities presented under the SDGs. 

Similarly, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, Chairman of BUK’s Governing Council, called for probity and accountability in leadership, noting the immense potential of Nigeria’s resources. 

The event’s highlight was the presentation of awards to Dr. Suwaiba, Dr. Gawuna, and Professor Abbas in recognition of their contributions to education and sustainable development.

Additionally, young entrepreneurs were celebrated with cash prizes for their innovative solutions, further underscoring the conference’s mission to empower the next generation.