The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf 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.
This is contained in a Statement issued by Ikharo Attah, Special Adviser on Media and Communications.
According to the Statement, 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 any country can make, particularly in harnessing its growing young population and building resilient economies.
He said Nigeria’s global advocacy was being matched with concrete action at home through efforts to expand access to education, reduce cost barriers, strengthen skills development and leverage 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 administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Alausa also highlighted Nigeria’s domestic financing commitments for education through 2030, combining updated Federal Government expenditure projections with financing commitments at the state level.
He said the approach reflected the scale of Nigeria’s federal system and the determination to mobilise resources for education at all levels of government.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s commitment was part of a wider effort among GPE partner countries, with 50 countries collectively committing more than $400 billion in domestic financing for education through 2030.
He, however, stressed that domestic financing and country leadership must be complemented by effective international partnerships to achieve lasting transformation in education.
Alausa described the GPE as an important platform for bringing governments and development partners together around nationally determined priorities and helping to translate national ambitions into stronger education systems and improved outcomes for children.
He 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 focus should ultimately 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 said education would remain a central priority under the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with the Federal Government continuing to expand access, improve learning and skills development, harness digital opportunities and equip learners to contribute to a more prosperous and peaceful Nigeria.
