Nigeria is proudly taking the spotlight at the prestigious Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Conference, currently underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
EpeInsights reports that the global event, which runs from April 13 to 15, 2025, has drawn high-level participation from across the world — and Nigeria is right at the heart of the conversation.
The conference kicked off with insightful opening remarks by H.E. Yousef Bin Abdullah AlBenyan, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Education and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Human Capability Development Program (HCDP), alongside Dr. Ju-Ho Lee, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education of South Korea.
A major highlight was the powerful ministerial panel featuring education leaders from across the globe. On the panel were: H.E. Yousef Bin Abdullah AlBenyan (Saudi Arabia), Ahmed Shafeeu (Maldives), H.E. Sarah Bint Yousef Al Amiri (UAE) and Nigeria’s very own Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education
Together, the ministers explored critical topics around human capital development, with a strong focus on youth upskilling — a pressing global challenge.
Representing Nigeria, Dr. Alausa showcased the country’s bold strides through the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI). He unveiled the initiative’s six-point agenda, key cross-enablers, and its strategic pillars aimed at transforming the education landscape. Notably, he spotlighted flagship programmes such as Skill Up Nigeria and the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Scheme, both of which are designed to bridge the skills gap and empower the next generation of Nigerians.
The high-profile event is being broadcast to thousands of viewers around the world — giving Nigeria a powerful platform to share its vision and progress.
Dr. Alausa’s presence and presentation not only reinforced Nigeria’s growing influence in global education discourse but also echoed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to reinvigorating Nigeria’s human capital and positioning the country as a leader on the world stage.
In his remarks, the Minister extended heartfelt appreciation to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, for the gracious invitation. It was, he noted, an honour for Nigeria to share its story and collaborate on shaping a smarter, more skilled future for all.
