Tinubu Repositions Nigeria on Global Education Stage, Co-Hosts GPE Drive to Support More Than 100 Countries By Beauty Akporido Aroh

Nigeria has re-emerged as a key player in global education leadership, following its decision to co-host the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) 2026–2030 replenishment campaign with Italy, Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has said.

Alausa, who spoke in New York after the high-level event, “Multiply Possibility: A New Era for Education Financing,” held on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, said the initiative reflected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong commitment to education and human-capital development.

The GPE replenishment campaign seeks to mobilise US$5 billion for education in more than 100 low-income and lower-middle-income countries between 2026 and 2030, with funding expected to support access to quality education, foundational learning, stronger education systems and improved learning outcomes.

Describing the occasion as significant for both Nigeria and global education, Alausa said Nigeria’s decision to co-host the campaign demonstrated the country’s willingness to contribute to education development beyond its own borders.

> “This is a great day for education, and also a great day for our country, Nigeria,” the Minister said.

He stressed that teachers would remain at the heart of Nigeria’s education reforms, noting that sustainable improvements in learning outcomes depended heavily on the capacity and effectiveness of educators.

> “Teachers are the ones that matter most as we build our education agenda in Nigeria,” Alausa said.

The Minister explained that Nigeria’s decision to co-host the replenishment campaign was not primarily motivated by the prospect of securing additional funding for the country.

Nigeria, he disclosed, has received approximately US$800 million in GPE grant support since joining the partnership. However, he said the country accepted the co-hosting responsibility as part of its commitment to advancing education globally, particularly in countries where educational needs remain acute.

Alausa recalled that the previous GPE replenishment cycle reached almost 750 million children globally, underscoring the scale and importance of sustained international investment in education.

According to him, the latest campaign provides Nigeria with an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and help expand educational opportunities across more than 100 countries.

He also recalled that GPE Board Chair and former Tanzanian President, Dr Jakaya Kikwete, approached President Tinubu in January 2025 to seek Nigeria’s support for the co-hosting arrangement with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Alausa said President Tinubu accepted the invitation and committed his personal time and political support to the initiative, describing this as evidence of the importance attached to education and human-capital development under the administration.

> “Nigeria is back on the centre stage. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands what leadership is all about,” he said.

In a video message, President Tinubu commended GPE and its partners for advancing the global education financing agenda, stressing the need to expand access to quality education while strengthening teacher capacity to improve learning outcomes.

Representing the President at the event, Vice President Kashim Shettima described education as an investment in Nigeria’s economic future, productivity, prosperity and national stability.

Shettima highlighted Federal Government reforms aimed at strengthening education financing, expanding foundational learning and improving access to tertiary and technical education.

He also emphasised the importance of domestic financing alongside international development assistance in sustaining education reforms.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose government is partnering Nigeria in the co-hosting effort, commended President Tinubu’s leadership and Nigeria’s commitment to improving educational outcomes.

Meloni also called for stronger international support and sustained investment in education across developing countries.

UN Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Amina Mohammed, stressed the importance of national ownership of education financing and urged greater support from international financial institutions to help countries create the fiscal space required to invest in education.

She particularly highlighted teacher training and capacity development as essential components of sustainable education systems.

GPE Board Chair, Dr Jakaya Kikwete, meanwhile, drew attention to the urgency of increased education financing amid declining development assistance and a widening global financing gap.

He called for sustainable financing mechanisms capable of delivering measurable improvements in education outcomes.

Education activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai also advocated stronger international collaboration and increased investment in education, particularly initiatives aimed at advancing gender equality and meeting the educational needs of girls in developing countries.

Alausa commended the participation of governments and development partners from Europe, North America, the Gulf region, Australia and other parts of the world, noting that several partners had announced commitments above those made during the previous replenishment cycle.

He also commended Prime Minister Meloni for her partnership and thanked Vice President Shettima for his continued support for President Tinubu, the education sector and the Federal Government’s transformation agenda.

Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to education under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Minister said Nigeria would continue to prioritise teachers, learners, access to quality education and improved learning outcomes.

He added that the Federal Government would deepen international partnerships capable of strengthening education systems and expanding opportunities for children both in Nigeria and across the developing world.