Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has called for stronger international financing for education, urging governments, development partners, philanthropies and the private sector to complement countries’ domestic investments in building stronger education systems.
Alausa made the call in New York while delivering Nigeria’s opening remarks at the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Multiply Possibility financing campaign, which Nigeria is co-hosting with Italy.
The minister said Nigeria accepted the co-hosting role because of its belief that education and skills development are critical investments for unlocking the potential of young people, strengthening economies and creating a sustainable future.
He said Nigeria’s advocacy for increased global education financing was being matched by measures at home aimed at expanding access to education, reducing cost barriers, improving skills development and using digital technology to strengthen learning.
According to Alausa, the measures form part of the Federal Government’s wider efforts to support macroeconomic stability and inclusive economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He highlighted Nigeria’s domestic financing commitments for education through 2030, combining projected Federal Government spending with commitments at the state level.
Alausa said the approach was necessary because of Nigeria’s federal structure, which requires resources to be mobilised across different levels of government to meet the country’s education needs.
He noted that Nigeria’s commitments formed part of a broader financing effort among GPE partner countries, with 50 countries collectively committing more than $400 billion in domestic financing for education through 2030.
The minister, however, stressed that domestic investment alone would not be sufficient to deliver lasting improvements, particularly in countries facing significant education financing gaps.
He called for stronger international partnerships to complement national efforts and help governments translate education plans into improved learning environments and better outcomes for children.
Alausa described GPE as an important platform for bringing governments and development partners together around nationally determined education priorities and mobilising resources to support their implementation.
He urged governments, development agencies, philanthropic organisations and private-sector actors to maintain the momentum of the Multiply Possibility campaign and support the forthcoming High-Level Financing Event.
The minister said the success of global education commitments should ultimately be measured by their impact on classrooms, learning outcomes and the opportunities available to children and young people.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to continuing reforms aimed at expanding access, strengthening learning and skills development and using digital opportunities to improve the country’s education system.
Alausa also assured stakeholders that education would remain a central priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with the Federal Government seeking to equip young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills required to contribute to national development and a more prosperous and peaceful society.
