The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to attract private sector and international investment to fast-track reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, positioning it as a key driver of economic productivity, innovation, and inclusive growth.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, made this known at a CEO Breakfast Roundtable held in Lagos, where government officials, development partners, and private sector leaders convened to deepen collaboration under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative.
The engagement, aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focused on unlocking innovative financing to sustain ongoing reforms and address systemic challenges in the sector.
Alausa highlighted progress recorded in policy reforms, digitisation, education data systems, and strategic partnerships, but acknowledged persistent issues such as the high number of out-of-school children, widespread learning poverty, and widening skills gaps.
He said targeted interventions are underway, including the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), strengthening teacher capacity, reintegrating out-of-school children, and scaling digital infrastructure across schools.
Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the roundtable as a critical platform for fostering deeper collaboration between government and stakeholders to accelerate reform outcomes.
Development partners, including the Global Partnership for Education and the United Kingdom, reiterated their commitment to supporting Nigeria’s education reform agenda. Italy also announced plans to host the 5th Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Replenishment Conference in Rome.
Stakeholders at the meeting endorsed innovative financing frameworks and backed the Basic Education Investment Case as a pathway to mobilising sustainable funding for the sector.
In a major private sector commitment, the Airtel Africa Foundation pledged support for digital learning initiatives and improved connectivity in schools.
To drive implementation, the Federal Government announced the establishment of a Public-Private Education Technical Working Group, which will focus on governance, coordination, and alignment of investments.
The Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships, enhancing accountability, and delivering measurable improvements in learning outcomes nationwide.
