FG inaugurates Board to accelerate project approvals
The Federal Ministry of Education has initiated a sweeping reform agenda, headlined by the inauguration of the Ministerial Project Approval Board (MPAB), designed to overhaul project execution, strengthen accountability, and rapidly accelerate infrastructure development through Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs).
This strategic move, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa (CON), marks a significant effort to boost the quality of education and service delivery nationwide.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Alausa stated that the new reforms are essential for building stronger, more efficient institutions while simultaneously eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically stalled project delivery. The creation of the MPAB directly aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive, which sets new thresholds for project approvals across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Under the new framework, the MPAB is mandated to approve projects valued up to ₦20 billion. Any project exceeding that amount must be escalated to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for final approval.
The Minister detailed that this structure is intended to decentralize decision-making and ensure value-driven project execution.
He stressed that tackling immense infrastructural challenges such as overcrowded classrooms and inadequate facilities requires innovation in financing and collaborative engagement with unions and communities.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that "No single budget can solve all the challenges facing our education system. What we need is innovation, accountability, and collaboration."
He urged the newly appointed board members to treat their role as a national duty, ensuring their actions positively shape Nigeria's education system for future generations.
The reforms, he reiterated, will streamline procurement processes, strengthen PPPs, and clarify institutional responsibilities to enhance overall governance and efficiency.
The composition of the MPAB includes the Honourable Minister of Education as Chairman, the Honourable Minister of State for Education as Co-Chairman, the Permanent Secretary, and key directors from Legal Services, Procurement, and Special Duties, ensuring a broad institutional approach to project scrutiny.
Commending the initiative, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Abel Olamuyiwa Enitan, described the inauguration as a landmark achievement that will improve transparency, efficiency, and adherence to global best practices in project management.
He highlighted the critical role of PPPs in unlocking vital investment needed to advance digital learning and expand infrastructure across all educational levels.
Reflecting the Board’s immediate operational focus, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education, presented a PPP proposal for the Federal Government College, Kano, showcasing the type of transformative work expected under the new structure.
Dr. Alausa expressed confidence that with sustained government support, these reforms will successfully strengthen the education system, promote accountability, and transform schools into safe, vibrant centres of learning and excellence.