The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Maruf Alausa, has commended President Bola Tinubu for conferring on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Alausa was among eminent Nigerians honoured by Tinubu as part of activities to mark Democracy Day in Abuja, on Thursday. Expressing his appreciation for the national honour, Alausa described the recognition as both a significant milestone and a renewed call to serve with greater purpose.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Digital Communications and E-learning, Mojoyin Adebajo, the minister said: “I am deeply honoured and profoundly grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for bestowing upon me the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

“This prestigious recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a humbling reminder of the immense responsibility we bear in service to our great nation.

“I accept this honour with heartfelt gratitude and a renewed sense of duty to continue advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda for Education, and to provide quality, equitable education and safe learning environments for all learners and educators.

“I dedicate this award to all educators, civil servants, and young Nigerians striving daily to build a brighter future through learning and innovation.

“This honour is a reflection of our collective efforts. I remain committed to working with stakeholders across all levels to uplift and transform our education sector.”

Besides his sweeping education reforms, notably, Alausa is the only member of President Tinubu’s current cabinet to be honoured for his active role in the pro-democracy struggle against military rule.

Recalling events from over three decades ago, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, in a recent reflection on NADECO’s legacy, had disclosed that between 1995 and 1997, while studying medicine in the United Kingdom, Alausa provided quiet but consistent support to exiled NADECO leaders, the pro-democracy movement that confronted military dictatorship in Nigeria.