FG Unveils $552 Million Programme to Reform Basic Education Sector

The Federal Government has launched a $552 million initiative aimed at accelerating reforms and improving the quality of basic education across Nigeria.

The programme, titled HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU), was unveiled in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to the statement, the initiative is designed to improve foundational learning, expand access to quality basic education, and strengthen education systems in participating states. It aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative and is structured to promote measurable, transparent, and results-based reforms.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the development as a defining moment in the country’s education transformation, noting that the funding was secured within 12 months the fastest activation of education financing of this scale in Nigeria’s history.

“The unlocking of the $552 million HOPE-EDU funding in just 12 months represents the fastest activation of education financing of this scale in our history. It reflects clarity of vision, strong intergovernmental coordination, and our unwavering commitment to delivering measurable results for Nigerian children,” Alausa said.

He further disclosed that federal allocation to the education sector has increased by over 302 per cent since 2022, with N3.520 trillion allocated in the 2026 fiscal year the highest to date. This federal funding, he added, is complemented by increased allocations at the sub-national level to address local priorities.

“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,” the minister stated.

The HOPE-EDU programme is co-financed by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education. It is expected to enhance foundational learning outcomes, promote equitable access to quality basic education, and strengthen institutional capacity and accountability across benefiting states.