The Federal Government has intensified efforts to mobilise private sector and international investment to drive education reform and strengthen Nigeria’s human capital development.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during a CEO Breakfast Roundtable held in Lagos, where leaders from the private sector and development partners gathered to discuss collaboration in financing education reforms.
The engagement, organised under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), focused on strengthening partnerships and exploring innovative financing mechanisms to support sustainable transformation in the education sector.
Alausa said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises education as a key driver of productivity, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
He highlighted ongoing progress in areas such as policy reforms, digitisation, improved data systems, and strategic partnerships, but noted that major challenges still persist within the sector.
According to the minister, these challenges include the high number of out-of-school children, learning poverty, and widening skills gaps across the country.
He said the Federal Government is implementing targeted interventions such as expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), strengthening teacher capacity, integrating out-of-school children into formal education, and scaling digital learning infrastructure.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the roundtable as an important platform for deepening collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector.
Development partners, including the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the United Kingdom, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s education reform efforts.
Italy also announced plans to host the 5th Global Partnership for Education Replenishment Conference in Rome, aimed at mobilising additional funding for education initiatives worldwide.
Stakeholders at the meeting endorsed innovative financing models and the Basic Education Investment Case, while the Airtel Africa Foundation pledged support for expanding digital learning and connectivity.
To ensure effective implementation of the reforms, the Federal Government announced plans to establish a Public-Private Education Technical Working Group that will coordinate governance, investment alignment, and partnership strategies.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships, promoting accountability, and improving learning outcomes across Nigeria’s education system.
