Alausa tasks rectors, provosts to partner private sectors on funding, investment
By Matthew Denis
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has urged Rectors and Provosts of higher institutions to broaden their partnerships with the private sector in order to enhance internal revenue generation and reduce reliance on federal funding.
Dr. Alausa made the call during a meeting with Rectors of Federal Polytechnics and Provosts of Federal Colleges of Education in Abuja on Monday.
He revealed that the government has introduced an innovative approach to address the issue of low enrolment in the nation’s technical institutions. The Minister explained that the Ministry’s six-point agenda for transforming Nigeria’s education system includes the revitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Central to this strategy, Dr. Alausa noted, is the adoption of the Pareto Rule, which applies an 80/20 ratio, with a focus on practical rather than theoretical training.
He stated: “Beyond becoming academic centres of excellence, we want your institutions to also become hubs of enterprise and manufacturing grounds for the country.”
Dr. Alausa emphasised the importance of aligning academic programmes with the demands of industry, ensuring that students are well-prepared for careers in high-impact sectors such as Information and Communications Technology (ICT), carpentry, and advanced manufacturing.
He further highlighted the need for strategic partnerships with private sector stakeholders to provide funding, resources, and internship opportunities for students.
“Federal Colleges of Education must take the lead by implementing rigorous pre-service training and continuous professional development programmes to prepare teachers for an evolving educational landscape,” the Minister said.
Similarly, he urged polytechnics and allied institutions to prioritise the development of technical instructors who are equipped with modern pedagogical skills and aligned with global standards.
“These efforts are crucial in building an education system that not only surpasses accreditation benchmarks but also produces graduates who can make significant contributions to national progress,” he added.
Dr. Alausa called on the leaders of Federal Polytechnics and Colleges of Education to adopt a strategic approach to improving and growing their institutions. He stressed the need for alignment between educational programmes and Nigeria’s National Development Plan.
The Minister further encouraged collaboration with industries and local communities to promote food production, as well as the establishment of Endowment Funds in partnership with alumni, the private sector, and philanthropists to support scholarships, infrastructure development, and research.
“The Ministry will maintain an open-door policy, ensuring continuous collaboration to strengthen institutional frameworks, foster accountability, and optimise resource utilisation,” he added.
Dr. Alausa also reiterated that the approach aims to ensure graduates possess market-relevant skills that are essential for Nigeria’s industrialisation and sustainable development.
The Minister concluded that the meeting with the leadership of the institutions was an important platform for discussing key issues affecting their administration and operations, and for aligning their efforts with the priorities of the Federal Ministry of Education.
