The Federal Government has launched a $552 million programme tagged HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU) to fast-track reforms in Nigeria’s basic education sector.
The initiative was announced in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to the ministry, the programme is designed to improve foundational learning, expand access to quality basic education, and strengthen education systems across participating states.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative and is structured to promote measurable, transparent and results-based reforms.
He described the activation of the funding as a landmark achievement in the country’s education financing 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,” Alausa
said.“It reflects clarity of vision, strong intergovernmental coordination, and our unwavering commitment to delivering measurable results for Nigerian children.”
The minister disclosed that federal allocation to the education sector has increased by more than 302 per cent since 2022, underscoring the government’s focus on human capital development.
He noted that N3.520 trillion was allocated to the sector in the 2026 fiscal year, the highest allocation to date, adding that federal funding is being complemented by increased sub-national investments to address local priorities and targeted interventions.
Alausa said the reforms are being implemented under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, emphasising that the administration remains committed to accountability and impact-driven policies.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the HOPE-EDU programme is co-financed by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education.
The initiative is expected to improve foundational learning outcomes, promote equitable access to quality basic education, and strengthen institutional capacity and accountability across participating states.
