Why Removing the Reform-minded Tunji Alausa Will Not Help Our Education Sector! I have observed with deep concern the agitations by some staff of the Federal Ministry of Education today calling for the removal of the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa. I have met the Minister only once briefly in my entire life, but from my objective assessment of this administration's cabinet, I consider him to be among the top three ministers in terms of vision, impact and execution. The evidence of his stewardship is verifiable. Through the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, NESRI, the Minister has restored focus and transparency to the sector. His most defining reform is the bold shift from certificate to skills. By repositioning Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, as central to national productivity, he has enrolled over 150,000 trainees in more than 1,600 centres, introduced biometric verification to ensure transparency in funding, and expanded training into Artificial Intelligence, robotics, renewable energy and cybersecurity. The unveiling of the Digital Academy. These reforms earned him the recognition as TVET Champion of the Year. He has also championed digital reforms that tackle age-long problems. These include the automation of result collection and transcript processes to curb fraud and delays, the launch of the School Safety Portal with the NSCDC for real-time monitoring of schools, the raising of textbook quality standards, the restoration of History as a core subject, and the facilitation of Transnational Education partnerships. In addition, he has placed teachers at the centre of reform through the National Teacher Summit, the Edurevamp professional development platform, the extension of retirement age to 65, and the commitment to pay TRCN licensing fees for public school teachers. I do not have the details of the demands of the workers but the general statement made by the workers, and I do not speak for the Ministry. However, in my humble opinion, many of the issues being raised are beyond the powers of the Minister alone. Matters of welfare, promotions and funding often require inter-ministerial approvals, Head of Service of the Federation and fiscal processes that take time. The staff of the Ministry are patriotic Nigerians and the engine room of these reforms. Their frustrations must be heard with empathy. That is why I offer my sincere apology to any worker who feels aggrieved or unheard. Your labour is the foundation upon which the future of our children is built. Calling for the removal of a reform-minded Minister, who is among the best in the administration will not solve systemic challenges; it will only truncate the momentum that has been built. Resolution must be genuine reconciliation. I appeal for dialogue over discord, and for a roundtable between the leadership of the Ministry, through the Permanent Secretary and staff unions to address legitimate concerns amicably. We need the Minister and we need the staff, working together for the good of Nigeria. May Allah guide us to what is best for our education sector and our beloved country, Nigeria. By Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, CON (Professor of Cybersecurity) Minister of Communications and Digital Economy of Nigeria (2019-2023). 16/09/2026G