A transformative education reform initiative has been unveiled by The Federal Government of Nigeria titled HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU), backed by $552.18 million in funding secured from the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).ank and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).
The announcement was made on Saturday by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He described the launch as a significant milestone in the government’s mission to overhaul the country’s basic education system.
According to Dr Alausa, HOPE-EDU is not merely another education project but a reimagined approach to public sector reform — rooted in performance-based financing, equitable access, and measurable outcomes. The programme aims to positively impact over 29 million children, support half a million teachers, and strengthen more than 65,000 public schools nationwide.
“This initiative directly targets the core challenges of our education crisis — too many children attending school without achieving meaningful learning, under-resourced classrooms, and teachers lacking the necessary support. HOPE-EDU introduces a results-driven model that empowers state governments to lead implementation while engaging parents, communities, and local authorities in the delivery process,” he stated.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to placing education at the forefront of national development. Dr Alausa expressed appreciation to all partners involved in the design and rollout of the programme, particularly the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), state education stakeholders, and international partners.
“This marks a turning point for Nigeria’s public education system. HOPE-EDU represents a shift towards transparent, measurable, and sustainable education delivery,” he said.
The programme is part of broader reforms aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s education sector. In the proposed 2025 national budget, ₦3.5 trillion has been earmarked for education, with ₦826.90 billion specifically allocated for infrastructure development. This includes support for UBEC and the establishment of nine new higher education institutions.
In parallel with local efforts, the federal government has secured additional international funding. The World Bank has approved a $1.08 billion loan for Nigeria, of which $500 million will directly support efforts to improve education quality, boost household resilience, and enhance nutrition among vulnerable populations.
To further support access to higher education, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has also been introduced to eliminate financial obstacles facing students across the country.