Nigeria and Italy have strengthened their bilateral partnership to drive a global $5 billion education financing campaign under the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).
​The commitment was reaffirmed during a high-level event titled “Multiply Possibility: A New Era for Education Financing,” held on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) at the UN Headquarters in New York.
The initiative aims to mobilize $5 billion in direct funding to unlock an additional $10 billion in co-financing from development banks, philanthropic organizations, and private sector partners, benefiting over 748 million children globally.
They main highlight of partnership include the expansion of basic education financing, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and the HOPE-EDU initiative with the World Bank, targeting 29 million children and 500,000 teachers.
In a video address delivered to the gathering, President Tinubu emphasized that GPE’s objectives align directly with Nigeria’s national priority of transforming human capital.
​”Our administration’s agenda focuses on improving educational outcomes by investing heavily in access and capacity building for teachers. We commend all GPE stakeholders for accelerating global education financing.”
Representing President Tinubu in person at the UN Headquarters, Vice President Shettima outlined Nigeria’s domestic resource mobilization strategies, including the deployment of unclaimed dividends and dormant funds for education funding.
​”For Nigeria, education is not an expenditure at the margins of our development agenda. It is an investment in our economic future, national productivity, and the prosperity and stability of our people. GPE does not replace national investment; it multiplies it.”
Prime Minister Meloni praised Nigeria’s leadership in sub-Saharan Africa and highlighted the synergy between GPE and Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.
​”Along with our African partners, we are developing the building blocks of a joint educational effort. Education, vocational training, and digitalization are essential components… Fostering the human capital of the youngest lays the foundations of strong communities and the institutions of tomorrow.”
Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete underscored the urgency of reversing global learning deficits.
​”Education remains central to human rights, security, and peace. Accelerating education financing is critical to ensuring no child is left behind in a rapidly changing world.”
The event concluded with call-to-action commitments from international delegates, donor nations, and civil society advocates, including education activist Malala Yousafzai, to ensure the GPE campaign transitions from fundraising goals into immediate classroom delivery.
