The Federal Government has unlocked $552 million under the HOPE-EDU programme to accelerate basic education reform across the country.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the development as the fastest activation of education financing of that magnitude in Nigeria’s history, accomplished within 12 months.
He said the funding aligns with the education reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is aimed at strengthening foundational learning, expanding access to quality basic education, and reinforcing accountability mechanisms in participating states.
The HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU) programme is co-financed by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education. It supports measurable reforms under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), the Federal Government’s blueprint for revitalising the education sector.
According to the Ministry, federal education allocation has risen significantly since 2022, reaching ₦3.520 trillion in the 2026 budget — the highest on record.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the new funding translates into tangible improvements in learning outcomes, teacher effectiveness, equitable access, and system-wide accountability.
Officials said implementation will prioritise transparency and measurable impact to ensure that increased financing delivers sustained reforms in basic education nationwide.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.