Nigeria has called for stronger global investment in education, urging governments, development partners, philanthropies and the private sector to complement domestic efforts with effective international support to transform education systems and expand opportunities for children and young people.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, made the call while delivering Nigeria’s opening remarks at the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Multiply Possibility financing campaign in New York, which Nigeria is co-hosting with Italy.
Alausa said Nigeria accepted the co-hosting role because of its conviction that education and skills development are among the most important investments any country can make, particularly in harnessing the potential of its young population and building resilient economies for a sustainable future.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Attah Ikharo, Nigeria’s global advocacy is being matched by concrete action at home through efforts to expand access to education, reduce cost barriers, strengthen skills development and harness digitalisation to improve the education system.
He said the measures are part of the broader agenda for macro fiscal stability and inclusive economic growth under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s domestic financing commitments for education through 2030, bringing together updated Federal Government expenditure projections and financing commitments at the state level.
He said the approach reflects the scale of Nigeria’s federal system and the government’s determination to mobilise resources for education at every level.
Alausa noted that Nigeria’s efforts form part of a wider movement among GPE partner countries, with 50 countries collectively committing more than $400 billion in domestic financing for education through 2030.
He stressed, however, that country leadership and domestic financing must be complemented by effective international partnerships if education systems are to achieve lasting transformation.
The minister described GPE as an important platform for bringing governments and development partners together around nationally determined priorities and translating national ambition into stronger education systems and improved outcomes for children.
He therefore urged governments, development partners, philanthropic organisations and the private sector to sustain the momentum generated by the Multiply Possibility campaign and support the forthcoming High-Level Financing Event.
Alausa said the ultimate focus should be on translating political commitments and financial resources into measurable improvements in classrooms and meaningful opportunities for children and young people.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining reforms and partnerships aimed at strengthening the country’s education system and widening opportunities for every child and young person.
The minister assured stakeholders that, under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, education would remain a central priority, with the Federal Government continuing to expand access, strengthen learning and skills development, harness digital opportunities and equip learners to contribute meaningfully to a more prosperous and peaceful Nigeria.
