The Federal Government has launched the HOPE-EDU Programme, a $552.18 million initiative aimed at improving basic education and benefiting nearly 30 million pupils across Nigeria.
The programme, jointly funded by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), was unveiled in Abuja alongside four other flagship programmes designed to accelerate human capital development, reduce poverty, strengthen healthcare, improve governance and expand economic opportunities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, described education as the foundation of Nigeria’s development and a critical investment in the country’s future.
“Education remains Nigeria’s greatest investment. It is the pathway to unlocking the potential of our children and building a stronger economy,” Alausa said.
He said the HOPE-EDU Programme represents a major commitment by the government to improve learning outcomes and strengthen the country’s education system.
“This programme is not just about infrastructure or numbers; it is about transforming the quality of teaching, improving learning outcomes and ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality basic education,” the minister said.
According to Alausa, the programme will directly benefit nearly 30 million children, support the professional development of 500,000 public primary school teachers and improve teaching and learning in more than 65,000 public primary schools across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He added that the initiative would strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy, improve education management systems and promote accountability through a results-based financing model.
“We are committed to building a system where teachers are better equipped, schools are better managed and children are given the skills they need to succeed,” Alausa said.
The minister also said the Federal Government would provide the necessary leadership and oversight to ensure the programme achieves its objectives.
“The Federal Ministry of Education will provide strong policy leadership, effective coordination and sustained oversight to ensure that the HOPE-EDU Programme delivers the expected impact,” he said.
The government said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on human capital development, adding that investment in education remains essential to reducing poverty, creating opportunities and driving long-term national growth.
“The success of Nigeria’s future depends on the quality of education we provide today,” Alausa said.
The HOPE-EDU Programme is expected to play a key role in improving basic education delivery and strengthening the capacity of schools, teachers and education systems nationwide.