By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa has leveraged Nigeria’s role as co-host of the Global Partnership for Education’s (GPE) Multiply Possibility campaign to call for stronger international investment and targeted global support.
Highlighted during his opening address in New York on Tuesday, were Nigeria’s own domestic funding commitments for education through 2030.
Alausa also highlighted Nigeria’s domestic financing commitments through 2030, bringing together updated Federal Government expenditure projections and financing commitments at the state level.
He explained that the approach reflects the scale of Nigeria’s federal system and the determination to mobilise resources for education at every level of government.
The Minister noted that Nigeria’s efforts form 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 urged governments, development partners, philanthropic organisations and the private sector to match national efforts with effective international support to transform education systems and expand opportunities for children and young people.
He stressed that country leadership and domestic financing must be complemented by effective international partnership if education systems are to achieve lasting transformation.
The Minister described GPE as an important platform for bringing governments and partners together around nationally determined priorities and translating national ambition into stronger education systems and better outcomes for children.
Alausa explained that Nigeria accepted the co-hosting role with Italy because of its conviction that education and skills are among the most important investments any country can make, particularly in harnessing its young population and building resilient economies with a sustainable future.
“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 using digitalisation to improve the education system,” he explained.
“The measures are part of the broader efforts to promote macro-fiscal stability and drive inclusive economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.”
Alausa called on 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 stressed that the ultimate goal should be to turn political commitments and financial resources into measurable improvements in classrooms and greater opportunities for children and young people.
The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustaining the reforms and partnerships needed to strengthen the education system and expand opportunities for children and young people.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Alausa stated that education will stay at the forefront of national policy.
He outlined key priorities, including expanding access, upgrading skills training, driving digital innovation, and preparing students to advance the nation’s prosperity and security.