In September 2025, MRL® Public Sector Consultants submitted two entries, namely the Transforming Education in Niger State (TENS II) Programme and the Health Sector Transformation Programme (HSTP). for the Pioneers in SDGs Awards 2025 Competition. The Pioneers in SDGs Awards is an internationally recognised competition that celebrates projects, individuals and organisations that drive progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On October 8th, 2025, the Transforming Education in Niger State (TENS II) Programme was announced as one of the five global winners for the Changemakers Award at the Pioneers in SDGs Awards Ceremony 2025 following a highly competitive process that saw 77 submissions from 43 countries, each reflecting extraordinary dedication to advancing peace, human rights, and sustainable development across all 17 Global Goals. This award ceremony was organised by the Journalists and Writers Foundation in association with the UN Department of Global Communications and its 56 global partners. The award honours the creativity, leadership, and impact of initiatives that are changing lives and shaping a more sustainable future.

This recognition specifically celebrates the impact of TENS II and the progress that has been made in driving quality education across Niger State (SDG 4).

A Vision Rooted in Transformation 

As part of the submission for the Pioneers in SDGs Awards, a documentary on the TENS II Programme was entered to demonstrate the progress and impact of the programme. The award-winning documentary showcased the innovative approach to education reform in Niger. It highlighted how TENS II builds upon earlier reform efforts, using data-driven research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning to rebuild and sustain an education system that truly serves every child. Its goals are simple yet powerful: to effectively reduce the number of Out-of-School Children, to increase learning accessibility and significantly improve the quality of education across Niger State, while preparing and equipping young people with the skills and knowledge needed for the 21st century.

The TENS II Programme, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago in partnership with MRL® Public Sector Consultants, and in collaboration with the Niger State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, continues to represent the state’s renewed commitment to transforming education as part of the New Niger Vision, a bold strategy to rebuild critical sectors, including education, agriculture, and health.

A Recognition that Strengthens Impact 

Winning the 2025 Changemakers Award places an international spotlight on Niger State’s education transformation efforts. It reaffirms the TENS II Pro- gramme’s innovative approach to addressing long-standing challenges in education – from deteriorating school infrastructure and teacher shortages to curriculum gaps and the issue of out-of-school children.

This recognition also positions Niger State as a model for sus- tainable education reform, paving the way for strategic partnerships and global collabo- rations. It reinforces the State’s commitment to strengthening cooperation among government agencies, local communities, and international donors. In addition, the visibility gained through this award will enable the Niger State Government and MRL® to vital financial support from international development organisations – partnerships that are essential to scaling and sustaining the subsequent phases of the TENS II Programme.

Empowering Communities, Building Futures 

At its heart, TENS II is centred on education and encompasses people – pupils, teachers, parents, community leaders, academics, and administrators who are all part of the education sector. The programme focuses on empowering teachers through capacity building, improving learning environments, integrating entrepreneurship and digital literacy into the curriculum and restoring pride in the teaching profession. It also emphasises inclusion, ensuring that nomadic, rural, and disadvantaged children are not left behind.

The Changemakers Award recognises that this is more than an education initiative; it is a legacy programme for Niger State. It reflects how visionary leader- ship, evidence-based planning, and sustained community engagement can turn systemic challenges into opportunities for progress.

A Milestone for the Niger State Governement and MRL® 

For Niger State, this award is a powerful endorsement of its commitment to ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all, the essence of SDG 4. For MRL® Public Sector Consultants, it reaffirms the organisations’s reputation as a trusted partner in public sector innovation, strategy, and reform.

As Niger State Government and MRL® continue implementing the TENS II Programme, this global recognition serves as a reminder that sustainable transformation begins with a shared vision and that the future of education in Niger State is brighter than ever. Congratulations, Your Excellency!