The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified efforts to attract private sector and global investment to accelerate education reform, positioning the sector as a key driver of productivity, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while speaking at a CEO Breakfast Roundtable on Private Sector and Philanthropy Dialogue on Education held in Lagos.
The high-level meeting brought together stakeholders from technology, finance, energy, philanthropy, academia, and development institutions to strengthen collaboration under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative and explore sustainable financing models for education reform.
Highlighting progress made over the past 17 months, Alausa pointed to gains driven by policy reforms, improved data systems, digitisation, and expanded partnerships. However, he noted that challenges such as out-of-school children, learning poverty, and widening skills gaps remain major concerns.
To address these issues, the government is implementing targeted interventions, including integrating out-of-school children into structured learning, expanding technical and vocational education, strengthening teacher capacity, and deploying digital infrastructure to support modern learning systems. He stressed that sustainable progress would depend on innovative financing and stronger private sector participation.
The Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the roundtable as a strategic platform for deepening partnerships and improving education outcomes.
Also speaking, Serigne Mbaye Thiam of the Global Partnership for Education emphasised the importance of private sector involvement in unlocking additional funding through the GPE multiplier mechanism.
The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni, reaffirmed Italy’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda, stressing the need for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, and private institutions.
He also announced that Italy, Nigeria, and the GPE Board Chair will co-host the 5th GPE Replenishment Conference in Rome on June 9, 2026, aimed at mobilising global education financing for 2026–2030.
Other development partners, including the United Kingdom, reiterated their support for Nigeria’s education reforms and commended efforts to improve accountability and coordination within the sector.
Stakeholders at the meeting endorsed innovative financing models, including crowd-funding approaches that combine public, private, and philanthropic resources. They also welcomed Nigeria’s Basic Education Investment Case as a framework to guide targeted investments and improve learning outcomes.
A key highlight of the engagement was a commitment by the Airtel Africa Foundation to support digital transformation in education.
The foundation pledged to deploy digital curriculum platforms, provide zero-rated data for teacher training, expand school connectivity, and strengthen online learning systems.
To drive implementation, participants agreed to establish a Public-Private Education Technical Working Group, co-chaired by the Ministers of Education.
The group will develop governance frameworks, align policy priorities, set measurable outcomes, and mobilise additional funding through the Global Partnership for Education.
The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to partnerships, innovation, and accountability to ensure that investments translate into improved access, retention, and learning outcomes, while positioning Nigeria’s education system for a globally competitive knowledge economy.
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.