Tunji Alausa, minister of education, has called for stronger global investment in education, urging governments, development partners, philanthropies and the private sector to complement domestic efforts with effective international support.
Alausa spoke 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.
The minister said Nigeria accepted the co-hosting role because of its conviction that education and skills are among the most important investments a country can make, particularly in harnessing its young population and building resilient economies.
He said Nigeria’s global advocacy is being matched by concrete action at home, with efforts focused on expanding access, reducing cost barriers, strengthening skills development and leveraging digitalisation to improve the education system.
Alausa said the measures are part of the broader agenda for macro-fiscal stability and inclusive economic growth under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He highlighted Nigeria’s domestic financing commitments for education through 2030, bringing together updated federal government expenditure projections and financing commitments at the state level.
According to him, the approach reflects the scale of Nigeria’s federal system and the government’s determination to mobilise resources for education at every level.
The minister said the commitment is part of a wider movement among GPE partner countries, with 50 countries collectively committing more than $400 billion in domestic financing for education through 2030.
Alausa, however, said domestic financing must be complemented by effective international partnerships if education systems are to achieve lasting transformation.
He described GPE as an important platform for bringing governments and partners together around nationally determined priorities and helping to translate national ambitions into stronger education systems and better outcomes for children.
The minister urged governments, development partners, philanthropic organisations and the private sector to sustain the momentum generated by the multiply possibility campaign and support the forthcoming high-level financing event.
He said the focus must ultimately be on translating political commitments and financial resources into measurable improvements in classrooms and meaningful opportunities for children and young people.
Alausa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining reforms and partnerships aimed at strengthening the education system and widening opportunities for every child and young person.
He said that under Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, education would remain a central priority, with the federal government continuing to expand access, strengthen learning and skills development, harness digital opportunities and equip learners to contribute to a more prosperous and peaceful Nigeria.
