FG secures $25.35m Kuwait loan to address out-of-school crisis in Kaduna
The federal government say it has secured a $25.35 million concessionary loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to support a major initiative aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children in Kaduna state.
The federal government signed agreement on behalf of the Kaduna state government, which forms part of a broader $62.8 million blended financing package with international development partners designed to expand access to quality and inclusive education in one of the country’s most affected regions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Mohammed Manga, the director of information and public relations at the federal ministry of finance, said the loan is expected to finance the reaching out-of-school children programme.
“In a significant step towards improving access to quality education in Nigeria, the federal government and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development have partnered to support the Reaching Out-of-School Children programme in Kaduna State,” the statement reads.
“This partnership is built on a $25.35m concessionary loan agreement signed today between the Federal Government of Nigeria, on behalf of Kaduna State and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.
“The facility forms part of a wider $62.8m blended package with international partners that will expand access to quality, inclusive education and improve learning outcomes for some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable children.”
Wale Edun, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, who was represented at the signing by Doris Uzoka-Anite, the minister of state for finance, said the programme highlights the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes in social sector investments.
Edun pointed out that every dollar of assistance must result in tangible and noticeable development because millions of children are still not attending school, especially in northern Nigeria.
He expressed optimism that the project could be replicated in other states and praised Kaduna State for its strong engagement with partners and aggressive leadership.
Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna, reiterated the state’s emphasis on education and revealed his administration had already met its $1 million counterpart financing promise.
He said the state had increased the education sector’s share of the 2025 budget to 26 percent as part of a broader commitment to human capital development.
Wahid Al-Bahar, the director-general of the Kuwait Fund, described the project as an investment in hope, noting that its goals extend beyond infrastructure.
He said the fund was proud to support an initiative that aims to guarantee access to learning for every child, stressing that success would be judged by improved enrolment, stronger learning outcomes, and community engagement.
The other partners in the financing structure include the Islamic Development Bank, which is contributing a $10.5 million loan; the Global Partnership for Education, offering a $15.45m grant; the Education Above All Foundation, with a $10 million grant; and Save the Children International, which is providing $0.5 million in technical assistance. Kaduna state’s contribution stands at $1million.
