The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has said Nigeria’s co-hosting of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) 2026–2030 replenishment campaign with Italy reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to education and the country’s growing role in shaping global education priorities.
Alausa spoke in New York after the high-level event, “Multiply Possibility: A New Era for Education Financing,” held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s participation demonstrates its determination to support efforts aimed at expanding access to quality education and strengthening learning systems where the need is greatest.
“This is a great day for education, and also a great day for our country, Nigeria,” Alausa said.
The GPE replenishment campaign is seeking to raise $5 billion to support education programmes in more than 100 low-income and lower-middle-income countries between 2026 and 2030.
The funding is expected to support access to quality education, improve foundational learning, strengthen education systems and enhance learning outcomes.
Alausa stressed that teachers remain central to achieving meaningful education reforms.
“Teachers are the ones that matter most as we build our education agenda in Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that Nigeria’s decision to co-host the campaign was driven by a desire to contribute to global education development rather than solely attract additional funding.
Although Nigeria has received about $800 million in GPE grants since joining the partnership, the minister said the country accepted the role to demonstrate leadership and solidarity with nations facing significant education challenges.
Alausa noted that the previous GPE replenishment cycle impacted nearly 750 million children worldwide, highlighting the importance of sustained investment in education.
He revealed that GPE Board Chair and former Tanzanian President, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, approached President Tinubu in January 2025 to seek Nigeria’s support in co-hosting the campaign alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
According to him, President Tinubu accepted the invitation as part of efforts to position Nigeria as a key contributor to global education advancement.
“Nigeria is back on the centre stage. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands what leadership is all about,” Alausa said.
The minister also commended Prime Minister Meloni for partnering with Nigeria on the initiative and praised Vice President Kashim Shettima for supporting the Federal Government’s education agenda.
In a video message, President Tinubu reaffirmed the importance of expanding access to quality education and strengthening teacher development to improve learning outcomes.
Representing the President at the event, Vice President Shettima described education as a critical investment in economic growth, productivity and national stability.
He highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at improving education financing, expanding foundational learning and increasing access to tertiary and technical education.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commended Nigeria’s commitment to improving educational outcomes and called for stronger international support for education in developing countries.
Also speaking, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Dr. Amina Mohammed, urged greater global support for education financing, particularly in teacher training and capacity development.
Education activist Malala Yousafzai called for increased investment in education and stronger efforts to advance gender equality and educational opportunities for girls.
Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving access to quality education, strengthening teaching and learning, and expanding opportunities for children and young people under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
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.