By Gabriel Ameh
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to attract private sector and global investment into Nigeria’s education system, in a renewed push to position education as a key driver of national productivity, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, reaffirmed this commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda while speaking at the CEO Breakfast Roundtable on Private Sector and Philanthropy Dialogue on Education held in Lagos.
The high-level meeting brought together stakeholders from technology, finance, energy, philanthropy, development agencies, and academia to strengthen collaboration under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and explore innovative financing models for sustainable education reform.
Presenting progress recorded in the past 17 months, Alausa said ongoing reforms have been driven by improved policy direction, strengthened data systems, digital transformation, and expanded partnerships. However, he noted that major challenges including the high number of out-of-school children, learning poverty, and widening skills gaps continue to hinder national development.
He explained that the Federal Government is implementing targeted interventions such as integrating out-of-school children into structured learning pathways, expanding technical and vocational education, improving teacher capacity, and accelerating digital infrastructure for modern learning systems.
According to him, sustainable progress will depend heavily on innovative financing and stronger participation from the private sector and philanthropic organisations.
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the engagement as a strategic platform for deepening partnerships and generating new ideas to improve education delivery and outcomes nationwide.
The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Special Envoy, Serigne Mbaye Thiam, also emphasized the importance of private sector participation in unlocking additional funding through the GPE multiplier mechanism.
In his remarks, the Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni, reaffirmed Italy’s support for Nigeria’s education reform agenda, praising efforts under NESRI and calling for stronger global cooperation to drive sustainable development.
He announced that Italy, Nigeria, and the Chair of the GPE Board will co-host the 5th GPE Replenishment Conference themed “Multiply Possibility” in Rome on June 9, 2026, aimed at mobilising global financing for education between 2026 and 2030, with focus on addressing the global learning crisis affecting girls and marginalized children.
Other development partners, including the United Kingdom, also reaffirmed their support for Nigeria’s education transformation agenda and commended efforts to improve accountability and investment coordination in the sector.
Stakeholders at the roundtable endorsed blended financing approaches, including crowdfunding models that combine public, private, and philanthropic resources. They also welcomed Nigeria’s Basic Education Investment Case as a framework to guide targeted investment and improve learning outcomes.
A major highlight of the event was the commitment by the Airtel Africa Foundation to support digital transformation in education, including zero-rated data for teacher training, expanded school connectivity, digital curriculum deployment, and enhanced online learning initiatives.
To ensure effective implementation, stakeholders agreed to establish a Public-Private Education Technical Working Group, co-chaired by the Ministers of Education. The group will harmonize policies, define measurable outcomes, and mobilize additional financing through global education partnerships.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships, innovation, and accountability to ensure investments translate into improved access, retention, and learning outcomes across Nigeria.
Signed by Mrs.Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
Federal Ministry of Education
