The Federal Ministry of Education Nigeria has intensified efforts to attract private sector and international investment to accelerate education reform, positioning the sector as a cornerstone for national productivity, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at the CEO Breakfast Roundtable on Private Sector and Philanthropy Dialogue on Education in Lagos, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The high-level meeting brought together leaders from technology, finance, energy, academia, philanthropy, and development organisations to strengthen collaboration under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and explore innovative financing strategies for sustainable reform.
Highlighting progress over the past 17 months, Alausa pointed to gains driven by policy reforms, improved data systems, digitisation, and expanded partnerships. However, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including the high number of out-of-school children, learning poverty, and widening skills gaps, which continue to hinder national development.
To address these issues, the government is rolling out targeted interventions such as integrating out-of-school children into formal learning systems, expanding technical and vocational education, strengthening teacher capacity, and accelerating digital infrastructure for modern learning.
Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the forum as a strategic platform to deepen partnerships and unlock innovative solutions to improve education delivery nationwide.
Also speaking, the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Special Envoy, Serigne Mbaye Thiam, underscored the importance of private sector involvement in unlocking additional funding through the GPE multiplier mechanism.
The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni, reaffirmed Italy’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda, describing education as both a fundamental right and a critical investment in long-term stability, innovation, and prosperity. He also announced that Italy, Nigeria, and the GPE Board Chair will co-host the 5th GPE Replenishment Conference in Rome on June 9, 2026. The event, themed “Multiply Possibility,” aims to mobilise global funding for education between 2026 and 2030, with a focus on addressing the global learning crisis affecting girls and marginalised children.
Development partners, including the United Kingdom, reaffirmed their support for Nigeria’s education reforms, commending efforts to strengthen accountability, partnerships, and coordinated investment in the sector.
Stakeholders at the roundtable endorsed innovative financing models, including crowd-funding approaches that blend public, private, and philanthropic resources. They also welcomed Nigeria’s Basic Education Investment Case as a strategic framework to guide targeted investments and improve learning outcomes.
A key highlight of the engagement was a commitment from the Airtel Africa Foundation to drive digital transformation in the education sector. The foundation pledged support for digital curriculum platforms, zero-rated data for teacher training, expanded nationwide school connectivity, 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 develop governance frameworks, align policy priorities, and set measurable outcomes for private sector engagement while mobilising additional financing through global partnerships.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration, innovation, and accountability to improve access, retention, and learning outcomes—positioning Nigeria’s education system for a globally competitive, knowledge-driven economy.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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