The Federal Ministry of Education has intensified efforts to attract private sector and global investment into the country’s education sector as part of a broader strategy to drive reform and economic growth.
Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, made this known during a high-level CEO Breakfast Roundtable held in Lagos, where stakeholders across technology, finance, energy, academia and development organisations gathered to explore sustainable funding models for education.
This was contained in a statement on Tuesday, by Folasade Boriowo, Head, Press and Public Relations Department.
The engagement, held under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, focused on strengthening partnerships and unlocking innovative financing to improve education delivery nationwide.
Alausa said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, positioning education as a critical driver of productivity, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
He noted that while progress has been recorded through policy reforms, digitisation and improved data systems, challenges such as out-of-school children, learning poverty and skills gaps remain significant.
According to the minister, the government is implementing targeted interventions, including integrating out-of-school children into formal learning systems, expanding technical and vocational education, strengthening teacher capacity and accelerating digital infrastructure deployment.
Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the roundtable as a strategic platform for deepening collaboration and generating innovative ideas to improve education outcomes.
Also speaking, Serigne Mbaye Thiam, Special Envoy of the Global Partnership for Education, highlighted the importance of private sector participation in unlocking additional funding through its multiplier mechanism.
The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Roberto Mengoni, reaffirmed Italy’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda, emphasising the need for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners and the private sector.
He also announced that Italy, Nigeria and the GPE Board Chair will co-host the 5th GPE Replenishment Conference in Rome on June 9, 2026, aimed at mobilising global resources to tackle the learning crisis.
Other partners, including the United Kingdom, reiterated their support for ongoing reforms and efforts to strengthen accountability and investment coordination in the sector.
A key highlight of the meeting was a commitment by the Airtel Africa Foundation to support digital transformation in education.
The foundation pledged to deploy digital curriculum platforms, provide zero-rated data for teacher training, expand school connectivity and enhance online learning systems.
Stakeholders also agreed to establish a Public-Private Education Technical Working Group, co-chaired by the ministers of education, to coordinate partnerships, align policies and ensure measurable outcomes.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation, accountability and collaboration to improve access, retention and learning outcomes, while positioning Nigeria’s education system for global competitiveness.