In a significant move to bolster educational cooperation, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, hosted a courtesy visit from Her Excellency Miriam Morales Palmero, the Ambassador of Cuba to Nigeria. The meeting underscored the longstanding bilateral relations between the two nations and set the stage for renewed partnerships in the education sector.
Dr. Alausa expressed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education, increasing school enrollment, and expanding technical and vocational education. He emphasized six high-priority areas: data collection, addressing out-of-school children, teacher professional development, skills acquisition, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), and medical sciences. He noted that Cuba’s expertise in technical and vocational education aligns well with Nigeria’s focus.
Dr. Alausa also emphasized the importance of girl-child education, digitalization, and quality assurance. He acknowledged the historical ties between Nigeria and Cuba, dating back to the first legal framework signed on March 24, 1981, which facilitated collaborations in various sectors, including education.
Looking ahead, Dr. Alausa announced plans to renew the memorandum of understanding by January 2025, with the legal team expediting the review process. He accepted Cuba’s invitation to the International Conference on Pedagogy 2025, scheduled for February, and expressed interest in Cuba’s “Yes, I Can” literacy program, which integrates skills training and aligns with Nigeria’s goals for adult literacy and technical education.
Dr. Alausa highlighted Nigeria’s openness to business, with significant investments in infrastructure and human capital development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, noting a growth rate of 3.6% in the last quarter.
In her address, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad observed the shared focus between Nigeria and Cuba on technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and skill development. She noted similarities in strategies concerning the education of young girls, including foundational literacy and essential skills acquisition. Dr. Ahmad expressed interest in further discussions to exchange experiences and enhance the impact of these programs.
Speaking earlier, the Ambassador of Cuba to Nigeria, Her Excellency Miriam Morales Palmero congratulated the Ministers on their appointment and expressed Cuba’s readiness to enhance cooperation in education. She mentioned a new agreement under review, indicating both nations’ commitment to strengthening educational ties.
The Ambassador extended an official invitation to the International Conference on Pedagogy 2025 in Cuba, emphasizing the significance of Nigeria’s participation among over 200 countries. She introduced Cuba’s “Yes, I Can” literacy program, designed for adult education, highlighting its cost-effectiveness and adaptability to various communities.
Ambassador Morales Palmero discussed Cuba’s approach to vocational training, offering programs that provide technical specialization without necessitating a university degree, aiming to influence technological and productive transformations in the economy. She underscored Cuba’s achievements in education, citing a literacy rate of 99% since the revolution, and advocated for the exchange of experiences between Cuba and Nigeria for mutual benefit.
The Assistant Director Bilateral, Mrs. Oludoun Mary provided an update on the status of the agreement between Nigeria and Cuba, noting that the final document was sent to the Federal Ministry of Justice in March and is awaiting return. She emphasized the importance of following up with the Ministry of Justice to expedite the process.
This meeting marks a pivotal step towards deepening educational collaboration between Nigeria and Cuba, with both nations poised to benefit from shared experiences and joint initiatives in the education sector.
Signed
BORIOWO FOLASADE
DIRECTOR PRESS & PR
