Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, has reaffirmed her lifelong commitment to improving education across Africa, despite retiring from public service after more than three decades of impact in teaching, policy making, and administration.
At an international symposium held in her honour, titled “Tackling Grand Challenges in Education in Africa in the Context of Emerging Technologies”, Professor Ruqayyatu described her retirement as a transition into global educational advocacy rather than a withdrawal from public life. She emphasised that equitable access and quality education will continue to define her post-retirement engagements. “My decision to retire early is not because I am tired, but rather to explore further avenues for service to the global community,” she said.
Her remarks highlighted a distinguished career at Bayero University, Kano, where she mentored students and influenced education policy. Her earlier roles as Jigawa State Commissioner for Education and Federal Minister of Education were also cited as pivotal to national reforms.
Speakers at the symposium, including education scholars and policymakers, praised her dedication to using technology to expand access and inclusion in African education systems. Professor Peter Okebukola described her as a “visionary reformer” whose leadership modelled how policy can drive measurable outcomes. Experts from across Africa and beyond stressed the need to harness AI, strengthen STEM education, and develop a continental policy for technology use in schools, reflecting themes consistent with Professor Ruqayyatu’s legacy.
