The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, has urged the National Education Awards Programmes (NEAP), a non-governmental organisation focused on youth empowerment, to create a structured framework that will guide collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education.
She made the appeal during a courtesy visit by NEAP in Abuja, describing the organisation’s initiative as timely and commendable. “I need a clear framework of the NGO to have a roadmap and picture of how we can support. We are always ready to listen and adopt a collaborative approach,” she stated.
Speaking further on the Ministry’s position, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant, Professor Ali Idris, assured that the Ministry remains open to meaningful partnerships that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. “The door is open for synergy that reflects national values,” he emphasized.
Earlier in his remarks, NEAP Chairman, Engr. Anslem Ijebor, presented the organisation’s flagship programme known as “Catch Them Young.” The initiative rewards academic excellence by offering scholarships of ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000 to outstanding students in the National Examinations Council (NECO), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
He further explained that NEAP is committed to reviving reading culture among young people, promoting girl-child education, and discouraging harmful practices among the youth.
Both the Ministry and NEAP expressed readiness to build a transparent and clearly defined roadmap for cooperation that will strengthen education reforms and create wider opportunities for Nigerian students.