Powering Nigeria’s Education Future: FG, Global Partners And Private Sector Unite To Unlock New Investment For Reform
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to mobilise private sector and global investment to accelerate education reform, positioning the sector as a key driver of national productivity, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, reaffirmed this commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, while speaking at the CEO Breakfast Roundtable on Private Sector and Philanthropy Dialogue on Education held in Lagos.
The high-level engagement convened leaders across technology, finance, energy, philanthropy, development partners and academia to strengthen collaboration under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and explore innovative financing mechanisms for sustainable education reform.
Presenting progress recorded under the reform agenda over the past 17 months, the Minister highlighted advances driven by policy reforms, improved data systems, digitisation and expanded partnerships. He noted, however, that challenges such as the high number of out-of-school children, learning poverty and widening skills gaps continue to pose significant constraints to national development.
According to the Minister, the Federal Government is implementing targeted interventions to address these challenges. These include integrating out-of-school children into structured learning pathways, scaling up technical and vocational education, strengthening teacher capacity, and accelerating the deployment of digital infrastructure to support modern learning systems. He emphasised that achieving sustainable progress will require innovative financing models and stronger participation from the private sector and philanthropic organisations.
The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the engagement as a strategic platform for deepening partnerships and unlocking new ideas that will strengthen education delivery and outcomes across the country.
Also speaking at the event, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Special Envoy, Serigne Mbaye Thiam, highlighted the critical role of private sector participation in leveraging additional funding through the GPE multiplier mechanism.
In his remarks, the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni, reaffirmed Italy’s strong support for Nigeria’s education reform agenda, commending the Federal Government for prioritising education through NESRI.
He emphasised the importance of strengthened collaboration among governments, development partners and the private sector to drive sustainable progress in education, describing education as both a fundamental right and a critical investment in stability, innovation and long-term prosperity.
He also acknowledged the leadership of the Honourable Ministers of Education and Foreign Affairs in advancing Nigeria’s transition towards a knowledge-based economy. Ambassador Mengoni further announced that Italy, Nigeria, and the Chair of the Global Partnership for Education Board will co-host the 5th GPE replenishment Conference, themed “Multiply Possibility,” in Rome on June 9, 2026, aimed at mobilising global resources to support education financing for 2026–2030 and address the global learning crisis affecting girls and other marginalised children.
Other development partners, including the governments of the United Kingdom reaffirmed their support for Nigeria’s education reform agenda and commended ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability, partnerships and investment coordination within the sector.
Stakeholders at the roundtable endorsed innovative and coordinated financing approaches, including crowd-funding models that combine public, private and philanthropic resources. They also welcomed the presentation of Nigeria’s Basic Education Investment Case as a strategic framework designed to guide targeted investments and improve education outcomes.
A major highlight of the engagement was the commitment by the Airtel Africa Foundation to support digital transformation in the education sector. The foundation pledged to support the deployment of digital curriculum platforms, provide zero-rated data for teacher training programmes, expand school connectivity nationwide, and strengthen online learning initiatives.
To ensure effective implementation of these commitments, stakeholders agreed to establish a Public-Private Education Technical Working Group, co-chaired by the Ministers of Education. The group will develop a clear governance framework for partnerships, align policy priorities and establish measurable outcomes for private sector engagement while mobilising champions to unlock additional financing through the Global Partnership for Education.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to fostering partnerships, innovation and accountability to ensure that investments translate into improved access, retention and learning outcomes, while positioning Nigeria’s education system to support a globally competitive knowledge economy.
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
