By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has called for increased global investment in education, urging governments, development partners, philanthropists and the private sector to complement domestic efforts with effective international support.
Alausa made the call on Monday in New York while delivering Nigeria’s opening remarks at the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Multiply Possibility financing campaign, which Nigeria is co-hosting with Italy.
He said Nigeria accepted the co-hosting role because of its conviction that education and skills development remained critical investments for harnessing the potential of its young population, building resilient economies and securing a sustainable future.
The minister said Nigeria’s advocacy for increased global financing was being matched by efforts at home to expand access to education, reduce cost barriers, strengthen skills development and deploy digital technologies to improve the education system.
He said the measures are part of the broader agenda for macro-fiscal stability and inclusive economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Alausa also highlighted Nigeria’s domestic financing commitments for education through 2030, covering updated Federal Government expenditure projections and financing commitments at the state level.
He said the approach reflected the scale and structure of Nigeria’s federal system and demonstrated the determination of the various levels of government to mobilise resources for education.
The minister noted that Nigeria’s efforts formed part of a wider commitment by GPE partner countries, with 50 countries collectively pledging 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 sustainable transformation of education systems.
Alausa described GPE as an important platform for bringing governments and development partners together around nationally determined priorities and supporting countries to translate their commitments into stronger education systems and improved learning outcomes.
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 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 sector and widening opportunities for children and young people.
He said education would remain a central priority of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with continued efforts to expand access, improve learning and skills development, harness digital opportunities and prepare learners to contribute to a more prosperous and peaceful Nigeria.