The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has called for stronger global investment in education, urging governments, development partners, philanthropic organisations and the private sector to increase support for efforts aimed at expanding access to quality learning opportunities for children and young people.
Alausa made the call while delivering Nigeria’s opening remarks at the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Multiply Possibility financing campaign in New York, which Nigeria is co-hosting with Italy.
According to the minister, Nigeria accepted the co-hosting role because of its belief that education and skills development remain critical investments for unlocking the potential of young people, strengthening economies and building a sustainable future.
He said the country’s advocacy on the global stage is being matched by reforms and investments at home, including efforts to expand access to education, reduce financial barriers, strengthen skills development and deploy digital technology to improve learning outcomes.
Alausa noted that the initiatives form part of the Federal Government’s broader agenda for macroeconomic stability and inclusive growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s domestic financing commitments to education through 2030, combining projected Federal Government expenditure with commitments made by state governments.
He said the strategy reflects the scale of Nigeria’s federal structure and its determination to mobilise resources for education at all levels of government.
According to him, the commitment aligns with a broader effort by countries participating in the Global Partnership for Education, with 50 partner nations collectively pledging more than $400 billion in domestic financing for education through 2030.
Alausa stressed that while domestic financing and national leadership remain essential, international partnerships are equally important for achieving lasting improvements in education systems.
He described the Global Partnership for Education as a key platform for aligning governments and development partners around nationally driven priorities and translating commitments into improved outcomes for learners.
The minister therefore called on governments, donor agencies, philanthropic organisations and private-sector partners to sustain support for the Multiply Possibility campaign and the forthcoming High-Level Financing Event.
He said the ultimate goal should be to ensure that political commitments and financial resources translate into better classrooms, stronger learning systems and expanded opportunities for children and young people.
Alausa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining reforms aimed at strengthening the education sector and widening access to quality education.
He added that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government would continue to prioritise education through expanded access, improved learning outcomes, skills development and the use of digital technologies to prepare learners for the future.
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