FG unveils $552m HOPE-EDU initiative to boost basic education reform

The Federal Government has unlocked a 552 million dollars HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU) programme to accelerate basic education reform across the country.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by Boriowo Folasade, Director Press and Public Relations in the ministry.

The initiative, facilitated by the Federal Ministry of Education, is aimed at improving foundational learning, expanding access to quality basic education and strengthening education systems in participating states.

Boriowo quoted the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa to have said that the programme aligned with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI).

Alausa said the programme was designed to promote measurable, transparent and results-based reforms in the sector.

He described the development as a defining moment in Nigeria’s education transformation.

Alausa also said that the release of the 552 million dollars marked the fastest activation of education financing of such scale in the country’s history.

“The unlocking of the $552 million HOPE-EDU funding in just 12 months represents the fastest activation of education financing of this scale in our history.

“It reflects clarity of vision, strong intergovernmental coordination, and our unwavering commitment to delivering measurable results for Nigerian children,” he said.

The minister further said that federal allocation to the education sector had increased by more than 302 per cent since 2022, reflecting government’s prioritisation of human capital development.

He added that 3.520 trillion naira was allocated to the sector in the 2026 fiscal year, saying ”it is the highest allocation to date”.

According to him, the allocation is complemented by increased funding at the sub-national level to address local priorities and targeted interventions.

”Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, we are demonstrating that reform can be decisive, accountable and impactful.

”These resources will directly strengthen foundational learning, expand access and reinforce system-wide accountability across participating states.”

Our correspondent reports that the HOPE-EDU programme is co-financed by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education.

It is designed to improve foundational learning outcomes, expand equitable access to quality basic education and strengthen institutional capacity and accountability across participating states.