Alausa Seeks Stronger Global Investment in Education, Says Domestic Financing Must Be Matched by International Support By Beauty Akporidoh Aroh
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has called for stronger global investment in education, urging governments, development partners, philanthropic organisations and the private sector to complement domestic efforts with effective international support to transform education systems and expand opportunities for children and young people.
In a press release signed by the Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister, Mr. Ikharo Attah, the Federal Government said Nigeria’s call was made during Alausa’s opening remarks at the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Multiply Possibility financing campaign in New York, which Nigeria is co-hosting with Italy.
Alausa said Nigeria accepted the co-hosting role because of its conviction that education and skills development constitute some of the most important investments a country can make, particularly in harnessing the potential of its young population, strengthening human capital and building resilient economies capable of sustaining long-term development.
The Minister said Nigeria’s international advocacy for increased education financing was being matched by concrete action at home, with government efforts focused on expanding access to education, reducing cost barriers, strengthening skills development and leveraging digitalisation to improve the quality and efficiency of the education system.
According to him, the measures form part of the broader Federal Government agenda for macro-fiscal stability and inclusive economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Alausa also highlighted Nigeria’s domestic financing commitments for education through 2030, bringing together updated Federal Government expenditure projections and financing commitments at the state level.
He explained that the approach reflected the scale and structure of Nigeria’s federal system, as well as the determination of governments at different levels to mobilise the resources required to strengthen education.
The Minister noted that Nigeria’s commitment was part of a wider movement among GPE partner countries, with 50 countries collectively committing more than $400 billion in domestic financing for education through 2030.
He, however, stressed that strong country leadership and domestic financing must be complemented by effective international partnerships if education systems are to achieve sustainable transformation.
Alausa described the GPE as an important platform for bringing governments and development partners together around nationally determined priorities, while helping countries translate political commitments and domestic ambition into stronger education systems and improved outcomes for children.
He therefore called on 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 stressed that the ultimate measure of the campaign should be its ability to translate 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 country’s education system and widening opportunities for every child and young person.
He assured stakeholders that, under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, education would remain a central priority, with the Federal Government continuing to expand access, improve learning and skills development, harness digital opportunities and equip learners to contribute meaningfully to a more prosperous and peaceful Nigeria.
