The Federal Government has unlocked $552 million under the HOPE EDU initiative to fast track and reinforce reforms in Nigeria’s basic education sector nationwide.
The funding is aimed at enhancing foundational learning, widening access to quality basic education, and strengthening education systems across participating states.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo.
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the release of the funds as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s ongoing education transformation efforts.
According to the statement, the programme aligns with and strengthens the country’s Education Sector Renewal Initiative NESRI, which is focused on delivering transparent, measurable, and results based reforms across the sector.
The minister noted that unlocking the $552 million within a 12 month period marks the fastest mobilisation of education financing of such magnitude in Nigeria’s history. He attributed the milestone to a clear reform agenda, effective collaboration among different tiers of government, and a firm commitment to achieving tangible outcomes for learners nationwide.
He added that the resources would directly improve foundational learning, broaden access to education, and enhance accountability systems across participating states.
Alausa further revealed that N3.520 trillion has been allocated to the education sector in the 2026 fiscal year, the highest allocation so far, alongside increased funding at sub national levels to address specific local needs and implement targeted interventions.
The HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All programme is a results oriented initiative jointly financed by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education. It seeks to improve foundational learning outcomes, promote equitable access to quality basic education, and strengthen institutional capacity and accountability in participating states.
As part of the broader HOPE reform framework, HOPE EDU works alongside HOPE Governance and HOPE Primary Health Care to address systemic challenges in policy formulation, public financial management, governance, and service delivery, with the overall aim of promoting efficiency, transparency, and improved performance in key social sectors.
