Alausa Canvasses More Global Investment In Nigeria’s Education Sector
By Alice Etuka, Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa has called for stronger global investment in Nigeria’s education sector, urging governments, development partners, philanthropies and the private sector to match national efforts with effective international support.
Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
Dr. 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.
He said Nigeria accepted the co-hosting role because of its conviction that education and skills were among the most important investments any country can make, particularly in harnessing the potential of its young population and building resilient economies with a sustainable future.
The Minister said Nigeria’s global advocacy was being matched by concrete action at home, with efforts focused on expanding access, reducing cost barriers, strengthening skills development and using digitalisation to improve the education system. He said these measures form part of the broader agenda for macro-fiscal stability and inclusive economic growth under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dr. Alausa 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 system and the determination to mobilise resources for education at every level of government.
The Minister noted that this effort forms 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.
Dr. Alausa stressed that country leadership and domestic financing must be complemented by effective international partnership if education systems were to achieve lasting transformation. He described GPE as an important platform for bringing governments and partners together around nationally determined priorities and helping translate national ambition into stronger education systems and better 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. He stressed that the focus must ultimately be on translating political commitments and resources into measurable improvements in classrooms and meaningful opportunities for children and young people.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to sustain the reforms and cooperation required to strengthen the education system and widen opportunities for every child and young person.
He assured stakeholders that, under President Bola Ahmed 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.
