Federal Government’s ongoing education sector reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are expanding access, improving stability, and raising quality across Nigerian universities.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said made this known on Friday in Abuja while receiving the Vice Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja (formerly the University of Abuja), Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, who led the university’s top management team on a courtesy visit.
Muhammed Idris highlighted key initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), student innovation grants, and improved government–university relations, noting that they are already creating tangible opportunities for young Nigerians and strengthening the education system.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is implementing critical reforms aimed at ensuring access, stability, and quality across our universities,” the Minister said.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deeper collaboration with Nigerian universities, particularly in advancing media education, promoting responsible journalism, and tackling the challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and the misuse of digital technologies.
Describing the visit as timely and strategic, Idris said the Ministry of Information remains a service-oriented institution committed to supporting academia through public communication, mentorship, visibility, and policy alignment, and assured the university of sustained engagement and partnership.
The Minister also commended Yakubu Gowon University for establishing the Faculty of Media and Communication Studies, noting that the unbundling of Mass Communication into specialised programmes aligns with global best practices.
He stressed the importance of stronger interaction between media professionals and students to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice.
He further highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in promoting media and information literacy, citing the country’s hosting of the UNESCO Category II Media and Information Literacy Institute—the first of its kind globally—as a key national effort to combat fake news and strengthen public trust in information.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Fawehinmi congratulated the Minister on his leadership and formally sought the Ministry’s support, collaboration, and mentorship for the Faculty of Media and Communication Studies ahead of its accreditation.
He also reaffirmed the university’s readiness to support the Federal Government’s programmes and policy direction.
Bello Wakili
