The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, has said open and digital learning has become an indispensable component of modern education, stressing that expanding access through technology is critical to Nigeria’s future development.
Alausa, in a post on his X handle on Monday, highlighted his speech at the maiden convocation ceremony of MIVA Open University, over the weekend, where he said the future of education lies in flexible learning models that enable more citizens to acquire quality knowledge and skills regardless of their location or personal circumstances.
“Open and digital learning is no longer an alternative. It is an essential part of the future of education,” the minister stated.
He noted that institutions such as MIVA Open University are helping to bridge educational gaps by creating pathways for Nigerians who might otherwise be unable to pursue higher education through conventional means.
According to him, the university’s pioneer graduates demonstrated that technology-driven learning can successfully accommodate individuals balancing academic pursuits with careers, businesses and family responsibilities.
“You are more than graduates; you are pioneers. Many of you balanced your studies alongside careers, businesses and family responsibilities, proving that determination, supported by technology and innovation, can remove barriers to learning,” he said.
Alausa said the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening access to quality education through the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, NESRI, the administration’s flagship reform agenda for the sector.
He explained that the initiative prioritises Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences, STEMM, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, digitalisation, quality assurance and expanded access to learning opportunities.
“Through our focus on STEMM, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), digitalisation, quality assurance, and expanded access to learning, we are building an education system that prepares Nigerians not just for today’s economy, but for the opportunities of tomorrow,” he said.
The minister further underscored the importance of inclusive education, noting that countries that succeed in making quality learning widely accessible will be best positioned to compete in the global knowledge economy.
“The future belongs to nations that make quality education accessible to all,” Alausa added.
At the ceremony in Lagos, Miva Open University reportedly conferred degrees and honours on a total of 1,212 graduates comprising 970 postgraduate and 242 undergraduate students.
The minister congratulated the university’s pioneer graduating class and urged them to remain committed to lifelong learning while contributing their knowledge and skills to national development.
