Get the full list of past and present Ministers of Education in Nigeria. Learn about their policies, contributions, and the current minister leading the country’s education sector.
The Minister of Education in Nigeria plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s academic policies, curriculum, teacher training, and tertiary education management. Since independence in 1960, multiple individuals have served in this position, implementing reforms aimed at improving primary, secondary, and higher education.
This article provides a detailed list of Nigeria’s past and present Ministers of Education, their tenure, and notable contributions. It also highlights the current Minister of Education in Nigeria and his plans for the country’s academic future.
Full List of Ministers of Education in Nigeria (Past & Present)
| Name | Tenure | Administration | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aja Nwachukwu | 1960 – 1965 | First Republic | Developed Nigeria’s first national education policies. |
| Richard Akinjide | 1965 – 1966 | First Republic | Advocated for universal education expansion. |
| Wenike Briggs | 1975 – 1979 | Military (Murtala/Obasanjo) | Introduced the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program. |
| Babs Fafunwa | 1990 – 1992 | Military (Babangida) | Implemented the 6-3-3-4 education system. |
| Tunde Adeniran | 1999 – 2001 | Civilian (Obasanjo) | Promoted university autonomy and curriculum reforms. |
| Obiageli Ezekwesili | 2006 – 2007 | Civilian (Obasanjo) | Introduced major education sector reforms. |
| Ruqayyah Ahmed Rufa’i | 2010 – 2013 | Civilian (Jonathan) | Strengthened basic education policies. |
| Adamu Adamu | 2015 – 2023 | Civilian (Buhari) | Improved tertiary education funding and digital learning. |
| Tahir Mamman | 2023 – Present | Civilian (Tinubu) | Focused on digital education and infrastructure development. |
Key Takeaways
- Nigeria has had both civilian and military Ministers of Education, each introducing key reforms.
- Policies such as Universal Primary Education (UPE) and the 6-3-3-4 system shaped Nigeria’s education sector.
- Ministers are responsible for curriculum development, teacher training, and university funding.
- The current Minister of Education (2023 – Present) is Tahir Mamman, who is focusing on technology-driven education.
Who is the Current Minister of Education in Nigeria?
The current Minister of Education in Nigeria is Tahir Mamman, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023. He is responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s education sector, including policy implementation, tertiary education reforms, and digital learning strategies.
Tahir Mamman’s Key Priorities:
- ✔ Expanding digital education and integrating ICT in schools.
- ✔ Improving tertiary education funding and university autonomy.
- ✔ Addressing teacher shortages and improving training programs.
- ✔ Enhancing technical and vocational education.
- ✔ Reforming the curriculum to meet modern educational needs.
Since his appointment, Mamman has focused on infrastructure development, funding for public universities, and expanding e-learning opportunities to tackle the growing demand for higher education in Nigeria.
A Historical Overview of Nigeria’s Ministers of Education
Early Years: Laying the Foundation (1960 – 1979)
During Nigeria’s early independence era, the first Ministers of Education, Aja Nwachukwu and Richard Akinjide, focused on expanding access to education and laying the foundation for a national academic system. Wenike Briggs (1975 – 1979) introduced the Universal Primary Education (UPE) policy, which aimed to provide free primary education for all Nigerian children.
Major Reforms: The 6-3-3-4 Education System (1980s – 1990s)
One of Nigeria’s biggest education reforms came under Babs Fafunwa during General Babangida’s administration. He introduced the 6-3-3-4 education system, which remains the country’s main academic structure. This reform provided:
🔹 6 years of primary school
🔹 3 years of junior secondary school
🔹 3 years of senior secondary school
🔹 4 years of university education (minimum)
However, during this period, Nigeria’s education sector also faced funding problems, teacher strikes, and inadequate infrastructure, affecting the quality of learning.
Democracy and the Push for Education Reforms (1999 – 2015)
With the return to civilian rule in 1999, Tunde Adeniran introduced university autonomy, giving institutions more control over their administration. Later, under Obiageli Ezekwesili (2006 – 2007), significant reforms were made, including school renovation projects and teacher retraining programs.
Under President Goodluck Jonathan (2010 – 2015), Ruqayyah Ahmed Rufa’i focused on girl-child education and expanding basic education programs.
Recent Developments and Challenges (2015 – Present)
From 2015 to 2023, Adamu Adamu served as the longest-serving Minister of Education in Nigeria, working to increase university funding, implement school feeding programs, and expand digital learning.
The current Minister, Tahir Mamman, is prioritizing:
- Enhancing e-learning and online education.
- Improving school infrastructure nationwide.
- Providing funding for science and technology education.
- Reforming Nigeria’s curriculum to meet global standards.
The Role of the Minister of Education in Nigeria
The Minister of Education is responsible for:
- Developing national education policies and overseeing reforms.
- Managing regulatory agencies such as UBEC, NUC, and WAEC.
- Supervising public and private universities, colleges, and polytechnics.
- Enhancing teacher training programs and professional development.
- Driving digital and vocational education initiatives.
The role is crucial in shaping the future of Nigeria’s education system, as policies introduced by the Minister directly impact students, teachers, and institutions.
The Future of Education in Nigeria
The future of Nigeria’s education sector depends on:
- Expanding digital learning platforms and e-education resources.
- Improving funding for primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.
- Upgrading educational infrastructure across Nigeria.
- Ensuring quality teacher training and employment stability.
- Strengthening technical and vocational education to meet the demands of modern industries.
As Tahir Mamman continues his tenure, his policies will determine the growth and success of education in Nigeria, particularly in areas like digital literacy, university funding, and infrastructure development.
Conclusion
Since Nigeria’s independence, different Ministers of Education have played key roles in shaping the country’s education system. While significant progress has been made, challenges like funding shortages, outdated curricula, and teacher strikes continue to affect the sector.
With Tahir Mamman leading the education ministry, the focus is now on digital education, infrastructure development, and policy reforms. The goal is to ensure that Nigerian students receive quality education that prepares them for the future.
Contact Information for Further Inquiries
For official updates on Nigeria’s education sector, visit:
📌 Federal Ministry of Education Website: www.education.gov.ng
📌 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC): www.ubec.gov.ng
