• Nigeria secured $552 million under the HOPE-EDU program to fast-track nationwide basic education reform.
• Authorities described the funding as the fastest mobilization of its scale in the country’s history, completed in under 12 months.
• About 10.5 million children aged 5–14 remain out of school, while the system serves nearly 47 million pupils.

The Federal Government of Nigeria announced on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, that it mobilized $552 million under the HOPE-EDU program to accelerate basic education reform nationwide.

Education Minister Maruf Tunji Alausa said the government achieved “the fastest mobilization of funding of this magnitude in Nigeria’s history,” completing the process in less than twelve months. He said authorities will use the resources to strengthen foundational learning, expand access to quality education and enhance accountability across participating states.

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
PRESS RELEASE
3 March 2026

FG UNLOCKS $552m HOPE-EDU FUNDING, SETS NEW PACE FOR BASIC EDUCATION REFORM

In alignment with the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to reposition education as a driver of national development, the Federal… pic.twitter.com/wWqnAriJRJ

— Federal Ministry of Education (@NigEducation) March 3, 2026

The HOPE-EDU program receives co-financing from the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education. The program supports measurable reforms aligned with the National Education Sector Renewal Initiative.

In Nigeria, basic education covers nine compulsory years, from early childhood to junior secondary school, under the Universal Basic Education Act, which guarantees free access to schooling.

The system enrolls nearly 47 million pupils. However, the Universal Basic Education Commission said the sector faces significant regional disparities, particularly between northern and southern states, as well as shortages in infrastructure and qualified teachers.

Data from UNICEF show that about 10.5 million children aged 5 to 14 remain out of school.

In recent years, the Nigerian government has positioned education as a central pillar of national development. Authorities have increased budget allocations to the sector since 2022, raising spending to 3,520 billion naira, or about $2.55 billion, in 2026.

This article was initially published in French by Charlène N'Dimon

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum