About
Federal Ministry of Education
Our mandate, history, leadership, and commitment to building the foundation for Nigeria's future.
Mandate
Our Mandate
The Federal Ministry of Education is responsible for formulating national education policy and coordinating educational activities at all levels across the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Ministry ensures that every Nigerian citizen has access to quality, inclusive, and equitable education.
The Ministry oversees basic, secondary, and tertiary education institutions, coordinates examination bodies, and supervises eight federal parastatals responsible for delivering and regulating education services nationwide.
In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry is implementing landmark reforms including the 12-Year Basic Education Model, digital literacy programmes, and inclusive education initiatives targeting marginalised communities.
History
A Legacy of Education
The Federal Ministry of Education traces its origins to the colonial period, when the Department of Education was established to oversee government-aided missionary schools. Following independence in 1960, the new Federal Government consolidated education administration under a dedicated ministry.
A pivotal milestone was the 1977 National Policy on Education, which defined a 6-3-3-4 system of education — six years of primary, three years of junior secondary, three years of senior secondary, and four years of tertiary education — that shaped Nigerian schooling for decades.
The Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act of 2004 further expanded access by making nine years of basic education free and compulsory. Today, the Ministry is implementing the 12-Year Basic Education Reform, extending this guarantee through senior secondary school for all Nigerian children.
Leadership
Ministry Leadership
Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa
Honourable Minister of Education
Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad
Minister of State for Education
Dr. David Gende
Permanent Secretary
Functions
Key Functions
Formulate national education policy and standards
Supervise and coordinate education at all levels
Oversee examinations and certification bodies
Manage federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges
Liaise with state ministries to harmonise education delivery
Coordinate international education partnerships and aid
Allocate and manage the education budget
Promote access to education for all Nigerians
Strategy
Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030
The Ministry's five-year strategic plan is anchored on five pillars: Access & Equity, Quality & Relevance, System Efficiency, Accountability & Governance, and Innovation & Technology.
The plan targets enrolment of an additional 10 million out-of-school children by 2030, full implementation of the 12-Year Basic Education Reform, and the digital transformation of at least 5,000 public schools nationwide.
