Nigeria has taken a prominent role in the global campaign to bridge the education financing gap, with Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, emphasizing the country's commitment to shaping education priorities beyond its borders. The country co-hosted the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) 2026-2030 replenishment campaign with Italy at an event held in New York on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The campaign aims to raise $5 billion to support education in over 100 low-income and lower-middle-income countries between 2026 and 2030. The funding will focus on improving access to quality education, strengthening education systems, and advancing foundational learning. Alausa stated that Nigeria's involvement goes beyond seeking financial support, as the country has accepted the responsibility of helping expand educational opportunities globally.
Alausa highlighted the importance of teachers in Nigeria's education reform efforts, stating that sustainable improvements in learning cannot be achieved without strengthening the capacity of educators. He emphasized that teachers are crucial in building Nigeria's education agenda. The Minister also noted that Nigeria has received approximately $800 million in GPE grants since joining the partnership.
The decision to co-host the replenishment campaign was driven by Nigeria's desire to demonstrate leadership and contribute to improving education in countries facing greater challenges. Alausa recalled that the previous GPE replenishment cycle reached almost 750 million children globally, highlighting the impact of sustained international investment in education. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was approached by GPE Board Chair, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, in January 2025 to seek Nigeria's support for co-hosting the campaign.
Tinubu accepted the request and personally committed time and political support to the initiative, reflecting the administration's emphasis on education and human-capital development. Alausa commended Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her partnership and acknowledged the support of Vice President Kashim Shettima for Tinubu's education agenda and the Federal Government's transformation programme.
The event attracted governments and development partners from around the world, with several partners announcing commitments above the levels recorded during the previous replenishment cycle. In a video message, President Tinubu commended GPE and its partners for advancing the global education financing agenda, emphasizing the need to widen access to quality education and strengthen teacher capacity.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing teachers, learners, access to quality education, and improved learning outcomes under the Tinubu administration's Renewed Hope Agenda. Nigeria will continue to deepen partnerships aimed at strengthening education systems and expanding learning opportunities for children both within the country and globally.
Key points
- Nigeria and Italy co-hosted a high-level campaign to raise $5 billion for education in over 100 low-income countries.
- The campaign aims to improve access to quality education, strengthen education systems, and advance foundational learning.
- Nigeria has received approximately $800 million in GPE grants since joining the partnership.
