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A prominent Nigerian youth advocacy group, Not Too Young To Perform (NTYTP), has issued a scathing condemnation of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, following his controversial remarks framing the recent mass failure in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations as an “achievement” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a press release signed by its National Secretary, Arc Bello Muhammed, NTYTP described the minister’s comments as “an appalling display of insensitivity, incompetence, and the politicization of a deeply troubling national crisis.”

The youth-led non-governmental organization, which operates across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), emphasized that the education sector’s collapse runs far deeper than poor exam results, pointing instead to long-standing structural deficiencies that continue to cripple public education in the country.

“It is unfortunately pathetic that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, almost every national issue is shamelessly politicized,” Muhammed stated. “For the Minister of Education to downplay the catastrophic failure rate recorded in the recent JAMB examinations and paint it as an achievement is nothing short of a national disgrace.”

A Deepening Educational Crisis

NTYTP outlined a grim picture of Nigeria’s public schools, criticizing the poor infrastructure, outdated learning materials, unmotivated and underpaid teachers, and admissions processes tainted by corruption and lack of merit. According to the group, the failure reflected in national examinations is merely a symptom of a wider institutional collapse that successive governments have failed to address.

“Education does not start in examination halls,” the group stressed. “It starts in the neglected schools across the country, where students are packed into overcrowded classrooms without adequate materials or support.”

The group also raised concerns over the socioeconomic challenges faced by millions of Nigerian families, linking food insecurity and poverty directly to students’ academic struggles.

“How many Nigerian households today can afford uninterrupted meals in a week under this administration?” Muhammed asked. “How do we expect children to focus on their studies when they are battling hunger, insecurity, and a lack of hope?”

Demand for Accountability

NTYTP did not mince words in its call for accountability, demanding the immediate resignation or dismissal of Dr. Tunji Alausa for what it described as gross incompetence and breach of public trust.

“Nigeria deserves leaders who are willing to confront hard truths and implement genuine reforms, not those who prioritize political point-scoring over the future of the nation’s youth,” the statement read.

The group further urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to abandon “hollow rhetoric” and commit to meaningful actions that will revitalize Nigeria’s educational system and restore public confidence.

A Call to Action

The press release concluded with a stark warning: without urgent reforms and investment, the future of millions of young Nigerians is at stake.

“The time to act is now,” NTYTP declared, reaffirming its commitment to advocating for policies and leadership that prioritize the development and empowerment of Nigerian youth.

As Nigeria grapples with growing discontent over educational outcomes and governance performance, voices like NTYTP’s highlight the deep frustrations among young people and the urgent need for systemic change.

ABUJA BUSINESS REPORTS NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE