Nigeria Seeks Stronger Global Support for Education Funding

Nigeria has called for stronger international support to complement its domestic efforts to fund education and transform learning opportunities for children and young people.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, made the call in New York while delivering Nigeria’s opening remarks at the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Multiply Possibility financing campaign.

Nigeria is co-hosting the campaign with Italy.

Alausa said governments, development partners, philanthropic organisations and the private sector must increase their support for education.

He said Nigeria accepted the co-hosting role because of its belief that education and skills remain vital investments in its young population.

According to him, stronger education systems can help countries build resilient economies and create a sustainable future.

The minister said Nigeria was also backing its global advocacy with increased efforts at home.

He said the Federal Government was working to expand access to education, reduce cost barriers and strengthen skills development.

The government, he added, was also deploying digital tools to improve the education system.

Alausa said these measures formed part of the wider drive for macroeconomic stability and inclusive economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s domestic financing commitments to education through 2030.

The commitments bring together Federal Government expenditure projections and financing commitments at the state level.

Alausa said the approach reflects Nigeria’s federal structure and the need to mobilise resources across all levels of government.

He noted that Nigeria’s efforts align with a broader financing commitment among GPE partner countries.

According to him, 50 countries have collectively committed more than $400 billion in domestic financing for education through 2030.

However, the minister stressed that domestic financing must go hand in hand with effective international support.

He described the GPE as an important platform for governments and development partners to coordinate support around national education priorities.

Alausa said such partnerships could help countries turn financial commitments into stronger education systems and better outcomes for learners.

He urged governments, development partners, philanthropies and private businesses to sustain the momentum generated by the Multiply Possibility campaign.

He also called on stakeholders to support the forthcoming High-Level Financing Event.

Alausa said funding commitments should ultimately translate into measurable improvements in classrooms and better opportunities for children and young people.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining reforms aimed at expanding access, improving learning and strengthening skills development.

The minister said the Federal Government would also continue to harness digital opportunities and equip learners with skills needed to contribute to a more prosperous and peaceful Nigeria.