Alausa honoured 2026 ‘Man of the Year’ in US, seeks stronger diaspora collaboration for home education
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has been honoured as the 2026 “Man of the Year” by the African Cultural Festival (ACF) and presented with the Key to the City of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA, in recognition of his contributions to education and human capital development.
Speaking at the grand finale of the festival, held under the theme “The Great Reunion: Culture, Education, and Collaboration,” Dr Alausa used the occasion to call for stronger partnerships between Nigeria and diaspora to accelerate education reform, research, innovation and technology transfer.
He described the recognition as a reflection of collective work being undertaken to transform Nigeria’s education sector, dedicating the award to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, education-sector officials, stakeholders, as. well as Nigerian children and young people, whose aspirations, he said, remain at the heart of the reform agenda.
The Minister said Nigeria’s education transformation agenda spans the entire value chain, from basic and secondary education to technical, vocational and tertiary education. He cited the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, expanded technical and vocational training, curriculum modernisation, medical education, teacher development, and investment in laboratories, simulation centres and hostels as key pillars of government efforts to improve access, quality and employability.
Beyond domestic reforms, Dr Alausa stressed the importance of mobilising diaspora expertise, networks and resources to complement national efforts. He urged diaspora professionals, academics and institutions to join the BRIDGE (Bridging Research, Innovation, Development and Global Expertise) programme, through which they could mentor students, contribute to research, deliver lectures, support curriculum development and facilitate technology transfer.
Contributing to national development, he noted, does not require permanent relocation, as diaspora Nigerians could engage both physically and virtually, a point he said captured the essence of the festival’s “Great Reunion” theme.
Also speaking, Leila Steinberg of DuduPlugs thanked the Minister for engaging with the team, citing her over three decades of work in youth development and creativity.
DuduPlugs chief executive, Wole Adeniyi, described the meeting as significant for cultural diplomacy, saying the organisation would build a legacy programme on technology transfer, innovation and robotics for Nigerians, working with collaborators including Blake Walker, Femi Ojetunde, Dana Sims and Jody David Armour.
Dr Alausa also acknowledged the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Speaker, Hon. Joanna McClinton, the City of Harrisburg and Mayor, Hon. Wanda Williams, the ACF organising team under Wole Adeniyi, and other individuals who supported the festival’s success.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to reforms that expand access, strengthen skills and connect Nigeria’s education system to global knowledge and innovation, adding that avenues would continue to be created for Nigerians at home and abroad to contribute to national development.