The Nigeria Government has unlocked 552 million dollars under the HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU) programme to fast-track reforms in Nigeria’s basic education sector.
The initiative, facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Education, is aimed at strengthening foundational learning, broadening access to quality basic education and reinforcing institutional capacity in participating states.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, said the programme aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the development as a landmark moment in the country’s education transformation drive. He noted that the programme is structured to deliver measurable, transparent and results-based reforms.
“The unlocking of the $552 million HOPE-EDU funding in just 12 months represents the fastest activation of education financing of this scale in our history,” Alausa said.
“It reflects clarity of vision, strong intergovernmental coordination, and our unwavering commitment to delivering measurable results for Nigerian children.”
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The minister disclosed that federal allocation to education has risen by more than 302 per cent since 2022, underscoring the government’s renewed emphasis on human capital development. He added that 3.520 trillion naira was earmarked for the sector in the 2026 fiscal year, describing it as the highest allocation to date.
According to him, the federal commitment is being complemented by increased funding at the sub-national level to address local priorities and targeted interventions.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, we are demonstrating that reform can be decisive, accountable and impactful,” he said. “These resources will directly strengthen foundational learning, expand access and reinforce system-wide accountability across participating states.”
The HOPE-EDU programme is co-financed by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education. It is designed to improve foundational learning outcomes, promote equitable access to quality basic education and enhance accountability mechanisms across participating states.
