The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has called for stronger global investment in education, urging governments, development partners, philanthropies and the private sector to complement domestic efforts with effective international support to expand access and opportunities for children and young people.
Alausa made the call while delivering Nigeria’s opening remarks at the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Multiply Possibility financing campaign in New York, which Nigeria is co-hosting with Italy.
The Minister said Nigeria accepted the co-hosting role because of its conviction that education and skills development are among the most important investments countries can make, particularly in harnessing the potential of young populations and building resilient economies.
He said Nigeria’s global advocacy was being matched by concrete actions at home, with ongoing efforts focused on expanding access, reducing cost barriers, strengthening skills development and leveraging digitalisation to improve the education system.
According to him, the measures form part of the broader agenda for macro-fiscal stability and inclusive economic growth under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Alausa, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, on Tuesday, highlighted Nigeria’s domestic financing commitments for education through 2030, bringing together updated Federal Government expenditure projections and financing commitments at the state level.
He said the approach reflects the scale of Nigeria’s federal structure and the government’s determination to mobilise resources for education across all levels.
The Minister noted that Nigeria’s efforts were part of a wider movement among GPE partner countries, with 50 countries collectively committing more than $400 billion in domestic financing for education through 2030.
He stressed, however, that country leadership and domestic financing must be complemented by effective international partnerships to achieve lasting transformation in education systems.
Alausa described the GPE as an important platform for bringing governments and development partners together around nationally determined priorities, while helping to translate national ambitions into stronger education systems and improved outcomes for children.
He therefore urged governments, development partners, philanthropic organisations and the private sector to sustain the momentum generated by the Multiply Possibility campaign and support the forthcoming High-Level Financing Event.
The Minister said the ultimate focus should be on translating political commitments and financial resources into measurable improvements in classrooms and meaningful opportunities for children and young people.
Alausa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining reforms and partnerships aimed at strengthening the education system and widening opportunities for every child and young person.
He assured stakeholders that, under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, education would remain a central priority, with the Federal Government continuing to expand access, strengthen learning and skills development, harness digital opportunities and equip learners to contribute meaningfully to a more prosperous and peaceful Nigeria.