By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalising the education sector and enhancing Federal Unity Colleges’ performance nationwide.
Represented by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadiri, Ahmad spoke on Monday at the opening of the 2025 Annual General Meeting of FUC Principals in Ikeja.
The five-day meeting, hosted by the Southwest zone, gathered principals from all six geopolitical zones and key stakeholders in the education sector.
Ahmad said the meeting, themed ‘Education for Renewed Hope: Repositioning Secondary School Education for Economic Empowerment and National Development,’ provides a platform to assess progress and reposition FUCs for development.
“This gathering allows us to review progress, address challenges, and strengthen secondary education, particularly in FUCs, to drive Nigeria’s national development,” she said.
She stressed the need for schools to go beyond rote learning by nurturing innovators, problem-solvers, and citizens equipped with entrepreneurial and civic values for national transformation.
Ahmad highlighted the link between education, empowerment, and growth, urging equal access for all learners while calling on principals to uphold discipline and integrity.
“You are the face of the Ministry in your schools; your leadership must reflect excellence and service,” she said.
Reiterating government commitment, Ahmad mentioned ongoing reforms in curriculum development, teacher professionalisation, and digital learning to build a knowledge-driven economy.
She cited the ‘Light Load, Stronger Minds’ curriculum reform aimed at reducing subject overload, deepening core competencies, and promoting STEM, vocational, and digital learning pathways.
“An empowered learner begets an empowered nation—creative, disciplined, and resilient to drive inclusive growth and renewed hope for Nigeria’s youth,” she added.
Ahmad commended the principals for their dedication and assured continued policy direction, collaboration, and technical support to reposition secondary education for innovation and empowerment.
The Executive Secretary, National Senior Secondary Education Commission, Dr Iyela Ajayi, said no nation can rise above the quality of its education system.
He noted that secondary education bridges basic and tertiary levels, preparing youth for higher learning and the workforce.
Ajayi said the 2023 Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises secondary education reforms through skills integration, technology, entrepreneurship, and STEM to produce employable graduates.
He emphasised the need for increased funding to tackle poor infrastructure and limited resources. “Education without resources is like a river without water,” he said.
Ajayi called for stronger teacher capacity, balanced staffing, and improved qualifications to equip students with entrepreneurial and technological skills for national progress.
He added that better infrastructure, modern curricula, and qualified teachers would promote youth self-reliance, reduce poverty, and drive sustainable development.
Earlier, the Chairman of FUC Principals, Shehu Dahiru, said the AGM fosters reflection, collaboration, and renewed commitment to nation-building through quality education.
Dahiru highlighted the importance of sharing experiences and innovative ideas to enhance leadership and management across all colleges.
He said the meeting would assess school performance, celebrate achievements, and identify areas needing improvement through honest dialogue and constructive evaluation.
“Key focus areas include skills acquisition, STEM, digital literacy, teacher welfare, and partnerships to prepare students for innovation and global competitiveness,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Abel Enitan, said the AGM remains vital for sharing ideas and adopting global best practices in education.
He said this year’s theme underscores skills development as a driver for progress, stressing that secondary education must go beyond knowledge transmission.
“Equipping students with skills, entrepreneurial mindset, and civic values ensures productive participation in Nigeria’s economic transformation,” he said.
Enitan explained that the ‘Light Load, Stronger Minds’ curriculum enhances digital learning and links schooling to empowerment and vocational opportunities.
He assured principals of continued support through policy guidance and partnerships to unlock hope and opportunity in secondary education.
“I commend your dedication to shaping future leaders. Remain proactive, resilient, and globally minded,” he said.
Vice-President General of the Unity Schools Old Students Association, Mrs Chinedu Amure, described the theme as timely and visionary.
She called for collaboration among principals, alumni, policymakers, and the private sector to deliver a curriculum blending academic rigour with practical skills and civic responsibility.
Amure said FUCs, symbols of national integration and excellence, must reinvent their legacy to meet evolving national and economic needs.
She added that empowering students to create jobs, rather than only seek them, would contribute meaningfully to national development.
