ABUJA — The Federal Government has unveiled a $552 million HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU) programme to fast-track sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s basic education sector.
The initiative, facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Education, is aimed at improving foundational learning, expanding access to quality basic education and strengthening education systems across participating states.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the programme as a defining milestone in the country’s education transformation drive.
Alausa said HOPE-EDU aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and is structured to promote measurable, transparent and results-based reforms.
He noted that the activation of the $552 million fund within 12 months represents the fastest mobilisation of education financing of such magnitude in Nigeria’s history.
“The unlocking of the $552 million HOPE-EDU funding in just 12 months reflects clarity of vision, strong intergovernmental coordination and our unwavering commitment to delivering measurable results for Nigerian children,” he said.
The minister further disclosed that federal allocation to education has risen by more than 302 per cent since 2022, underscoring government’s prioritisation of human capital development.
According to him, N3.520 trillion was earmarked for the sector in the 2026 fiscal year — the highest allocation to date — complemented by increased sub-national funding to address local priorities and targeted interventions.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, we are demonstrating that reform can be decisive, accountable and impactful. These resources will directly strengthen foundational learning, expand access and reinforce system-wide accountability across participating states,” he added.
The HOPE-EDU programme is co-financed by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education and is designed to enhance learning outcomes, promote equitable access and strengthen institutional capacity nationwide.
