FG launches $552m HOPE-EDU programme to drive basic education reforms

The Federal Government has unveiled a $552 million initiative, tagged HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All (HOPE-EDU), to fast-track reforms and improve learning outcomes in Nigeria’s basic education sector.

The announcement was made in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to the ministry, the programme is designed to strengthen foundational learning, widen access to quality basic education and reinforce institutional systems across participating states.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a landmark step in the country’s education transformation drive. He said the programme aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative and is structured to deliver measurable, transparent and results-based reforms.

Alausa noted that the activation of the $552 million funding within 12 months represents the fastest mobilisation of education financing of such scale in Nigeria’s history.

“The unlocking of the $552 million HOPE-EDU funding in just 12 months reflects clarity of vision, strong intergovernmental coordination, and our unwavering commitment to delivering measurable results for Nigerian children,” he said.

He further disclosed that federal allocation to the education sector has risen by over 302 per cent since 2022, underscoring the government’s emphasis on human capital development. According to him, ₦3.520 trillion was earmarked for education in the 2026 fiscal year — the highest allocation to the sector so far.

The minister added that increased federal funding is being complemented by higher sub-national investments to address local priorities and targeted interventions.

He credited the reform momentum to the leadership of Bola Tinubu, stating that the administration is demonstrating that reforms can be decisive, accountable and impactful.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the HOPE-EDU programme is co-financed by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education.

The initiative is expected to boost foundational learning outcomes, promote equitable access to quality basic education and strengthen accountability and institutional capacity across participating states.