Nigeria has returned to the centre of global education diplomacy after co-hosting the Global Partnership for Education, GPE, 2026–2030 replenishment campaign with Italy, an initiative seeking to mobilise $5 billion for education in more than 100 low and lower-middle-income countries.
The campaign, held under the theme, “Multiply Possibility: A New Era for Education Financing,” took place on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said Nigeria’s role went beyond attracting financial support for its own education sector, stressing that the country accepted the responsibility to help expand learning opportunities for children globally.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Ikharo Attah, Alausa said Nigeria’s co-hosting role demonstrated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to education and human-capital development.
“This is a great day for education, and also a great day for our country, Nigeria,” Alausa said, noting that Nigeria’s participation reflected its determination to strengthen foundational education where the need was greatest.
The GPE replenishment campaign is targeting $5 billion to support education in more than 100 countries between 2026 and 2030, with funding expected to improve access to quality education, strengthen education systems, promote foundational learning and enhance educational outcomes.
Alausa said teachers would remain central to the success of education reforms, stressing that sustainable improvements depended on strengthening the capacity and effectiveness of those delivering learning.
“Teachers are the ones that matter most as we build our education agenda in Nigeria,” he said.
The minister noted that Nigeria had received approximately $800 million in GPE grant support since joining the partnership, but said the decision to co-host the replenishment was not primarily motivated by the prospect of securing additional funding.
He said Nigeria was seeking to demonstrate leadership and contribute to expanding educational opportunities in countries where the need was greatest.
Alausa recalled that GPE Board Chair and former Tanzanian President, Dr Jakaya Kikwete, approached President Tinubu in January 2025 to seek Nigeria’s support to co-host the campaign with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
He said Tinubu accepted the invitation and committed his personal time and political support to the initiative, underscoring the priority attached to education and human-capital development.
“Nigeria is back on the centre stage. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands what leadership is all about,” Alausa said, adding that the initiative was about positioning Nigeria to contribute to education efforts across more than 100 countries.
Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritising teachers, learners, access to quality education and improved learning outcomes under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a video message, President Tinubu commended GPE and its partners for advancing global education financing, while stressing the need to expand access to quality education and strengthen teacher capacity to improve learning outcomes.
Representing the President, Vice President Kashim Shettima described education as an investment in Nigeria’s economic future, productivity, prosperity and stability.
Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, also commended Nigeria’s commitment to improving educational outcomes.
Meloni called for stronger international support and sustained investment in education in developing countries.
UN Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Amina Mohammed, urged greater support from international financial institutions to help countries create the fiscal space needed to invest in education, including teacher training and capacity building.
GPE Board Chair Kikwete highlighted the urgency of accelerating education financing amid declining development assistance and a widening financing gap.
Education activist Malala Yousafzai similarly called for stronger collaboration and increased investment in education, particularly to advance gender equality and address the educational needs of girls in developing countries.
