The Federal Government has unlocked $552 million under the HOPE-EDU programme to accelerate basic education reforms nationwide, in what officials describe as a landmark step toward revitalising the country’s education system.
Announcing the development on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, revealed the activation of the funding marks the fastest rollout of education financing of its scale in Nigeria’s history, achieved within 12 months.
“This is not just about accessing funds; it is about unlocking opportunity for millions of Nigerian children,Within one year, we have successfully activated $552 million to drive foundational learning reforms. That is unprecedented in our education sector,” Alausa said.
He added that the milestone reflects the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reposition education as a central pillar of national development.
“President Tinubu has made it clear that education is the bedrock of economic growth and social stability. This intervention under HOPE-EDU demonstrates that commitment in concrete terms,” the minister stated.
The HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU) programme is co-financed by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education, and supports reforms aligned with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).
According to Alausa, the funding will focus on measurable reforms that improve classroom experiences and learning outcomes.
“Our goal is clear every Nigerian child must acquire foundational literacy and numeracy skills, We are strengthening teacher effectiveness, expanding access to quality basic education, and reinforcing accountability mechanisms across participating states,” he said.
He stressed that the programme would be performance-driven, with strict monitoring frameworks to ensure transparency and impact.
“This is results based financing. States will be supported based on clear, verifiable progress. We are building a system where accountability is not optional but institutionalised,” he added.
The ministry also noted that federal education allocation has increased significantly in recent years, with ₦3.520 trillion allocated to the sector in 2026 — the highest allocation to date.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the minister assured, “These investments must translate into real change in our classrooms.
Our children deserve better learning environments, better teachers, and better outcomes. That is the promise of HOPE-EDU.”